Red Brush Plant Care

Red Brush (Boschniakia rossica) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Boschniakia genus. Red Brush is also known as Ground Pine, Clover-root.

Red Brush displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Red Brush produces small tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red Brush every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Red Brush thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Red Brush in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Boschniakia rossica tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Red Brush prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Red Brush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red Brush every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red Brush is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Red Brush can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Red Brush while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Red Brush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red Brush can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Red Brush is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Red Brush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Red Brush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.