{"product_id":"purple-paintbrush-seeds-castilleja-purpurea-drought-tolerant","title":"Purple Paintbrush Seeds (Castilleja purpurea) Drought Tolerant","description":"\u003cp\u003eAdd a splash of unique, jewel-toned color to your wildflower garden with Castilleja purpurea, commonly known as Purple Paintbrush or Downy Paintbrush. This striking native perennial (sometimes biennial) is a true Texas classic, prized for its brush-tipped bracts in shades of purple, maroon, cream, and yellow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e🎨 Why You'll Love It\u003cbr\u003e\nUnlike its fiery red cousin (Indian Paintbrush), Purple Paintbrush shows off soft, painterly bracts in dusky purples, wine-reds, and creamy yellows — giving it a softer, more unusual look that stands out in any native planting. Its fuzzy gray-green foliage and clustered blooms add texture and old-world charm to prairies, rock gardens, and naturalized beds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e🌾 Growing Details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMature height: 6–18 inches\u003cbr\u003e\nBloom time: Early spring (February–May)\u003cbr\u003e\nSun: Full sun to part shade\u003cbr\u003e\nSoil: Well-drained, tolerates caliche, clay, and rocky soils\u003cbr\u003e\nWater: Low once established; drought-tolerant\u003cbr\u003e\nHardiness zones: 7–9\u003cbr\u003e\nGrowth habit: Clumping, upright\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e🌱 A Note on Growing Paintbrush\u003cbr\u003e\nLike other Castilleja species, Purple Paintbrush is hemiparasitic — it grows best alongside companion plants (native grasses like little bluestem or gaia\/blanketflower work well), tapping into their roots for extra nutrients. For best results, sow near an established native grass or wildflower companion rather than in isolation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e🐝 A Pollinator \u0026amp; Hummingbird Favorite\u003cbr\u003e\nThe nectar-rich, tubular blooms are a favorite early-season stop for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making this a wonderful addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e✨ Perfect for native prairie restorations, rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and anyone looking to add a rare pop of purple to their spring blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGermination: Best sown in Fall near a host plant, such as Little Bluestem. Seeds need 60-90 days cold stratification.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cross Timbers Nursery","offers":[{"title":"50 Seeds","offer_id":45551439151280,"sku":null,"price":5.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Seeds","offer_id":45551439184048,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0663\/2357\/9056\/files\/il_fullxfull.8459790118_do2v.jpg?v=1788278210","url":"https:\/\/crosstimbersnursery.com\/products\/purple-paintbrush-seeds-castilleja-purpurea-drought-tolerant","provider":"Cross Timbers Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}