25 Downy Painted Cup Seeds - Castilleja sessiliflora Native Wildflower for Pollinator & Hummingbird Gardens

Downy Painted Cup (Castilleja sessiliflora) is a native wildflower prized for its soft, downy foliage and clusters of pale yellow to greenish bracts that attract hummingbirds and native pollinators. This low-growing perennial is well-suited to rock gardens, native plantings, and xeriscapes, where its unique texture and subtle color add natural charm.

As a hemiparasitic plant, Downy Painted Cup forms root connections with neighboring grasses and forbs, making it an excellent choice for meadow and prairie restorations. Its early summer blooms provide a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and bees.

Plant Features

• Native perennial wildflower with downy, gray-green foliage
• Produces pale yellow to greenish bracts in late spring to early summer
• Attracts hummingbirds and native pollinators
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Ideal for rock gardens, native plant gardens, and xeriscapes

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Castilleja sessiliflora
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
• Water Requirements: Low to medium; drought-tolerant once established
• Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
• Mature Height: 6-12 inches
• Spacing: 8-12 inches apart

Planting & Care

Sow seeds in well-drained soil and lightly press them into the surface; do not cover deeply as light may aid germination. Keep soil consistently moist until germination, which can be slow and irregular. For best results, stratify seeds by cold-moist treatment for 4-6 weeks before sowing. Once seedlings emerge, provide bright light and moderate water. Transplant outdoors after the last frost, spacing plants 8-12 inches apart. Downy Painted Cup benefits from nearby host plants such as grasses, as it is hemiparasitic and draws nutrients from neighboring roots. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system; thereafter, it is quite drought-tolerant. Avoid overly rich or waterlogged soils.

What's Included

25 Downy Painted Cup seeds (Castilleja sessiliflora).