Castilleja miniata

Description

Castilleja miniata is a common wildflowers of alpine meadows in Western Canada, with beautiful abundant clusters of red bracts (which are surrounding the very small ‘real’ flowers).
It is said to hybridize with other Castilleja species that grow in the same locations (a possibility being C. rhexifolia, alpine paintbrush in this case).

All Paintbrush species are wonderful wildflowers to try to incorporate in a perennial border, flower meadow.

Germination: we had a whole discussion for C. coccinea regarding the germination, and it stands true for any Castilleja species. Although being hemiparasitic plants, Castilleja seeds will germinate without a host plant but it is easier to cultivate them in combination with other species, for example in this case Erigeron peregrinus was present in the meadow mix.
Sowing the seeds directly in the garden in late fall, close to a species from Asteraceae family, or a grass, in a rather moist location in late fall, it is probably the best option.
Alternatively, sow in pots and provide cold/moist stratification over the winter, then transplant the seedlings as soon as possible in the garden close to a host plant.