Castilleja for a cold day

We need something to warm us up and nothing can be better than a hot image of Castilleja applegatei, wavy leaf paintbrush, taken many years ago in the Albion Basin of the Wasatch Mts., Utah.

Castilleja applegatei, wavy leaf paintbrush

Hiking on many North American mountain trails will most likely bring you face to face with at least one Castilleja species. Not easy to grow from seeds, they are highly admired and desirable; the best bet is to try them within a plant community containing species from their wild habitat.

Because I couldn’t find to collect Castilleja coccinea seeds locally, I tried to procure at least another Castilleja species (which is also not an easy task).
So, do not miss the chance to give it a try, it may be a one-time offering: Castilleja applegatei.

Castilleja applegatei in a mountain meadow mix with: Helianthella, Lupinus, Eriogonum, Penstemon, Agastache…

 Yes, these species are not easy to germinate and sometimes they will do it after two years, but I think they are worth trying.
Last week I also included this species in the experiment with GA3; the acid gibberellic treatment doesn’t work for all the species, but first we need to try it.

Stay warm and tuned for the weekend gateway ;)