About
Castilleja scabrida is a semi-parasitic perennial herb that typically reaches a height of 15 cm. Its stems can vary in color from green to purple and are densely covered in coarse hairs. The narrow, grey-green leaves measure between 5 to 8 cm in length. From spring through summer, it produces small tubular flowers that are yellow-green, accented by vivid red bracts. This species commonly attaches to the roots of host plants, particularly Penstemons, but generally exerts minimal negative impact on its hosts.
About the genus
Castilleja comprises both annual and perennial herbaceous species characterized by vibrant red leaf-like bracts that encircle white to green flowers, typically blooming from early to mid-spring.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- USA (NV, UT, CO, NM)
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun in a very well-drained light sandy medium with added leafmould, close to Penstemons or other host plants
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in the intended final position, ensuring that seedlings can become established by forming a connection with a host plant by growing them within a few cm of a suitable host such as Penstemons
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free