How much sun does Scarlet Paintbrush need?

Scarlet Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Scarlet Paintbrush bloom?

Scarlet Paintbrush blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Scarlet Paintbrush native?

Scarlet Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Scarlet Paintbrush attract?

Scarlet Paintbrush draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Is Scarlet Paintbrush HOA-friendly?

Scarlet Paintbrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Scarlet Paintbrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Castilleja miniata

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 7 more states

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range

Scarlet paintbrush produces vibrant red-orange flower spikes that bloom throughout summer, creating stunning color displays. This compact wildflower grows in neat clumps and thrives in full sun with moderate watering needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Scarlet Paintbrush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Wildflower appearance may be deemed too informal
Semi-parasitic nature can make establishment unpredictable
May self-seed and spread naturally

Wildlife value

Attracts hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies with its bright tubular flowers. The extended bloom period from June through August provides consistent nectar sources during peak pollinator season.

Common questions

How much sun does Scarlet Paintbrush need?: Scarlet Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Scarlet Paintbrush bloom?: Scarlet Paintbrush blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Scarlet Paintbrush native?: Scarlet Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Scarlet Paintbrush attract?: Scarlet Paintbrush draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
Is Scarlet Paintbrush HOA-friendly?: Scarlet Paintbrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Scarlet Paintbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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