Mountain Foxglove
Ourisia macrophylla native plants index
Mountain Foxglove (scientific name: Ourisia macrophylla) Mountain Foxglove is a beautiful native herb with large white flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It grows in damp, shady areas in montane and subalpine regions, creating spectacular displays along stream banks and in forest clearings. Explore more in the native plants index.
Plant Description
Botanical Features
Alpine Symbolism and Tracks
Large‑leaved Ourisia (Ourisia macrophylla) brightens alpine seeps and stream edges with white flowers visited by native flies and solitary bees. While specific customary uses are not well documented, its presence along tramping routes makes it a familiar tohu (marker) of clean, cold headwaters. Hut groups and iwi work to keep stock and boots off fragile seepage turfs so ourisias can re‑seed and bind saturated soils on popular alpine tracks.
Mountain Foxglove (Ourisia macrophylla), also known as Native Foxglove, is a striking perennial herb endemic to New Zealand. It is a showy, large-leaved, tufted, rhizomatous perennial herb, which can be glabrous (hairless) or sometimes hairy with non-glandular or glandular hairs. The leaves are typically ovate to heart-shaped, with crenate (scalloped) to crenate-serrate edges. They can be glabrous or hairy on both surfaces. Leaf petioles range from 4.3-225.0 mm long, and leaf blades are 10.4-160.0 mm long by 5.9-99.0 mm wide. The plant produces large, white, irregular corolla flowers arranged in whorls at each node. The corolla tube is yellow with three lines of yellow hairs inside. Inflorescences are erect, with hairy racemes up to 64.8 cm long, bearing 1-6 flowering nodes and up to 53 total flowers per raceme. It is found in montane to subalpine habitats.
Quick Facts
Overview
| Scientific Name | Ourisia macrophylla |
|---|---|
| Height | 30-60 cm |
| Spread | 40-80 cm |
| Water Needs | High |
| Light | Partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Good |
| Salt Tolerance | Poor |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
Climate Best Suited to
Regional climate suitability across major New Zealand cities.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Moderate |
| Auckland | Moderate |
| Hamilton | Moderate |
| Tauranga | Moderate |
| Rotorua | Good |
| Gisborne | Good |
| New Plymouth | Good |
| Napier | Good |
| Whanganui | Good |
| Palmerston North | Good |
| Wellington | Good |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Natural Habitat
Mountain Foxglove is a species of flowering plant endemic to New Zealand, found on both the North and South Islands. It typically inhabits montane to subalpine environments, ranging from 210 to 1,800 meters above sea level. Its preferred habitats include damp to wet, sheltered areas below the bushline in Nothofagus forests, often near cliffs, tracks, streams, or waterfalls. It can also be found in partly shaded to open subalpine scrub or tussock just above the bushline, and on damp banks and boulders.
Plant Conservation
Conservation
Ourisia macrophylla, commonly known as Native Foxglove or Mountain Foxglove, is a plant species endemic to New Zealand. It is currently classified as "Not Threatened" according to the New Zealand Threatened Classification for plants, a status it has held since at least 2004. While not considered at risk, Ourisia macrophylla is sensitive to habitat disturbance. It plays a vital role in its native environment by providing habitat and food for local wildlife. The species has two recognized subspecies, Ourisia macrophylla subsp. macrophylla (North Island) and Ourisia macrophylla subsp. lactea (South Island), both of which also hold a "Not Threatened" conservation status. Cultivation of Ourisia macrophylla is challenging, and it is advised against removing it from its natural habitat. The plant thrives in specific conditions, including moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils, and cool, sheltered locations with partial shade, replicating its natural montane to subalpine environments.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
A moistureâloving alpine herb for cool, humusârich, freeâdraining soils. Ideal in shaded rock crevices with constant moisture but no stagnation.
Light Requirements
Bright shade to morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon heat at low elevations.
Water Requirements
Consistently moist-never boneâdry; avoid waterlogging around the crown.
For Mountain Foxglove (Ourisia macrophylla), choose a site with partial shade and soil that is high. Incorporate composted organic matter to improve structure and drainage. Plant with the crown or root collar at soil level, then apply a 5-8â¯cm mulch to moderate temperature, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds. Protect young plants from extremes while establishing and consider the stated frost tolerance (good) when siting near exposure or cold air drains.
Planting Guide
Site Selection and Soil Preparation:
- Light: Ourisia macrophylla prefers partial to full shade, ideally with dappled light. It's crucial to protect it from harsh afternoon sun and drying winds.
- Soil: This plant thrives in moist, fertile, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH and performs best in loamy or sandy soils with good organic content. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as roots are prone to rot.
- Location: Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, rock gardens, and alpine houses. Planting on a bank or at the base of boulders can provide excellent drainage and consistent moisture while shading the roots.
Planting:
- Spacing: Ourisia macrophylla forms clumps and can spread 30-50 cm (12-20 inches). Consider its mature size of 4-6 inches tall and 9-12 inches wide when choosing a planting location.
- Technique: Ensure proper planting techniques for successful establishment.
Ecological Role
Mountain foxglove (Ourisia macrophylla) is a moisture-loving herb of alpine seepages and stream margins, providing nectar and stabilising wet soils.
Pollination
- Nectar source: Tubular flowers support alpine pollinators during short growing seasons.
- Community support: Co-flowers with sedges and alpine shrubs to extend forage windows.
Habitat Services
- Bank binding: Fibrous roots stabilise saturated soils along seepage lines and streams.
- Microclimate: Broad leaves shade soil surfaces, reducing evaporation and supporting bryophytes.
By fuelling pollinators and securing wet substrates, O. macrophylla enhances alpine riparian biodiversity.
Uses & Significance
Practical Applications
Exquisite white foxgloveâlike flowers in cool, shaded rock gardens and stream margins; supports alpine pollinators.
Raise Mountain Foxglove from seed collected when ripe, or by semiâhardwood cuttings set under intermittent mist. Use sharp, diseaseâfree material and maintain moderate warmth and bright, indirect light for rooting.
Landscaping Ideas
Mountain Foxglove (Ourisia macrophylla) represents one of New Zealand's most prestigious alpine perennials for specialized garden applications, offering sophisticated landscaping opportunities for gardeners seeking to create authentic alpine environments or showcase rare native flora. This shade-loving herbaceous perennial ranks among the most garden-worthy of all native herbs, bringing the pristine beauty of New Zealand's high-altitude environments to carefully designed garden spaces.
Specialized Alpine Garden Design
- Rock garden excellence: Creates stunning focal points in rock gardens where the well-presented spires of pure white flowers rising above rosettes of deep green foliage demonstrate the refined beauty of New Zealand's alpine flora in intimate garden settings.
- Alpine enthusiast collections: Essential component for serious alpine plant collections, representing the pinnacle of New Zealand's high-altitude botanical heritage while providing educational value about alpine plant adaptations and conservation.
- Challenging terrain solutions: Ideal for transforming difficult slopes and challenging microclimates into spectacular seasonal displays, particularly where conventional plants struggle in cool, moist, high-altitude conditions.
- Succulent carpet development: Slowly spreads to form beautiful succulent carpets in suitable conditions, creating naturalistic ground cover that mimics the plant's behavior in its native alpine meadow habitat.
Specialized Site Applications
- Bank planting strategies: Thrives when planted on banks where natural air movement and drainage create ideal growing conditions, transforming steep terrain into spectacular seasonal displays while providing erosion control.
- Boulder garden integration: Exceptional performance when planted at the base of boulders where consistent moisture and root shade create the microclimate conditions that mirror its natural rocky alpine habitat.
- Seepage area utilization: Perfect for utilizing natural seepage areas and consistently moist spots that challenge other plants, creating beautiful garden features in areas often considered problematic.
- South-facing slope excellence: Outstanding performance on damp, south-facing slopes where consistent moisture and protection from harsh sun create ideal conditions for long-term establishment and natural spreading.
Shade Garden Sophistication
- Woodland edge plantings: Brings alpine elegance to woodland margins and shaded garden areas where the distinctive white flowers create bright highlights against the deep green foliage backdrop.
- Moist shade solutions: Transforms challenging moist, shaded areas into sophisticated garden spaces where conventional plants often struggle, providing reliable seasonal interest and unique native character.
- Light shade carpet development: Creates breathtaking ground cover in light shade with moist conditions, slowly developing into naturalistic displays that reward patient gardeners with spectacular results.
- Protected garden environments: Ideal for sheltered courtyards and protected garden spaces where microclimatic control enables successful cultivation of this challenging but rewarding species.
Conservation and Heritage Landscaping
- Endemic species preservation: Cultivation supports conservation efforts for this regionally limited species while providing opportunities to appreciate and protect New Zealand's unique alpine heritage.
- Educational landscape value: Serves as a living example of alpine plant adaptation and the challenges of high-altitude survival, providing educational opportunities about New Zealand's unique biogeography.
- Botanical collection importance: Essential component for botanical gardens and serious native plant collections, representing the specialized flora of New Zealand's alpine environments.
- Genetic preservation contribution: Garden cultivation provides important genetic diversity preservation for this geographically limited species, supporting long-term conservation goals.
Cultivation Success Strategies
- Form selection importance: Success depends on selecting appropriate forms proven for cultivation, such as those established at Pukekura Park, which have demonstrated long-term garden performance.
- Climate matching requirements: Best suited to cooler climates that match its natural alpine origins, making it ideal for high-altitude gardens, southern regions, and areas with naturally cool, moist conditions.
- Drainage and moisture balance: Requires careful attention to achieving perfect balance between adequate moisture and excellent drainage, creating conditions that prevent both drought stress and waterlogging.
- Microclimate creation: Success often requires creating specific microclimates that replicate alpine conditions, including consistent moisture, protection from extreme heat, and adequate air circulation.
Seasonal Interest and Design Integration
- Spring and summer flowering: Spectacular spring and summer flowering periods create focal points during peak garden seasons, with white to yellow flowers reaching impressive 60cm heights.
- Evergreen foliage value: Deep green foliage rosettes provide year-round structure and interest, maintaining garden presence even during dormant periods in alpine conditions.
- Companion planting opportunities: Combines beautifully with other alpine natives and cool-climate perennials, creating sophisticated plant communities that showcase diverse textures and growth habits.
- Progressive establishment rewards: While initially challenging, successful establishment leads to increasingly spectacular displays as plants mature and spread, rewarding patient and skilled gardeners.
Specialized Care Considerations
- Alpine enthusiast requirements: Best suited to experienced alpine gardeners who appreciate the challenges and rewards of cultivating demanding native species with specific environmental needs.
- Propagation from cultivated sources: Must be grown from seed or division of cultivated plants, as wild collection is prohibited and threatens natural populations of this regionally limited species.
- Long-term establishment focus: Requires patience and consistent care during establishment, with success measured over years rather than seasons as plants adapt to garden conditions.
- Sudden collapse awareness: Understanding that alpine plants can experience sudden decline under certain conditions, requiring vigilant monitoring and immediate response to environmental stress.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring
Feed lightly with leaf mould; ensure steady moisture.
Summer
Mulch and increase watering during heat; provide shade cloth in hot regions.
Autumn
Divide congested clumps; tidy spent stems.
Winter
Protect crowns from ice heave; maintain drainage.
Pruning & Maintenance
Techniques and Timing
Deadhead to prolong bloom; remove faded foliage to reduce rot.
Prune Mountain Foxglove lightly to maintain structure; remove damaged shoots and avoid hard cuts on older wood.
How to Grow Mountain Foxglove
Mountain Foxglove is a beautiful native herb with large white flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It grows in damp, shady areas in montane and subalpine regions, creating spectacular displays along stream banks and in forest clearings. This charming perennial is highly valued for its delicate beauty and its ability to thrive in cool, moist environments. Understanding its propagation methods is key to successfully growing this delightful species.
From Division
Division is the easiest and most reliable method for propagating Mountain Foxglove, particularly for home gardeners. This is best done in autumn or early spring when the plant is not actively flowering. Carefully dig up a mature clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a healthy portion of roots and some foliage. Replant the divisions immediately into prepared soil that is moist, well-drained, and humus-rich. Water thoroughly and keep consistently moist until new growth appears. This method is excellent for quickly expanding your stock of plants and for rejuvenating older, less vigorous clumps.
From Seed
Propagating Mountain Foxglove from fresh seed is a viable method, though it requires specific conditions for optimal germination. Collect ripe seeds in late summer or early autumn. Surface-sow fresh seed on a sterile, well-draining seed-raising mix. The seeds typically require cool, moist conditions to aid germination. Maintain consistent moisture in the seed tray and keep it in a cool, shaded location. Germination can be variable and may take several weeks to months. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be potted into individual containers and grown in a sheltered environment before planting out.
Pests & Diseases
Mountain Foxglove (Ourisia macrophylla) presents unique challenges in terms of plant health management, as this specialized alpine species requires precise environmental conditions to thrive and can be prone to sudden collapse under certain circumstances. Understanding the specific vulnerabilities and care requirements of this demanding native perennial is essential for successful long-term cultivation and preventing the sudden plant losses that characterize this challenging species.
Environmental Stress Vulnerabilities
- Sudden collapse syndrome: The most significant challenge with mountain foxglove is its tendency to collapse and die quite suddenly under certain conditions, often without warning, making vigilant monitoring and optimal cultural practices essential for long-term success.
- Heat stress sensitivity: Extremely sensitive to excessive heat and humidity, particularly in lowland or northern climates where summer temperatures exceed its alpine comfort zone, leading to rapid decline if not provided with adequate cooling and air circulation.
- Moisture balance critical: Both drought stress and waterlogging can trigger rapid decline, requiring precise moisture management that provides consistent hydration without creating conditions that encourage root rot or fungal problems.
- Establishment stress vulnerability: Young plants are particularly vulnerable during establishment periods, requiring careful attention to environmental conditions and protection from stresses that can cause irreversible decline.
Fungal Disease Prevention
- Root rot prevention: Excellent drainage is absolutely critical to prevent root rot, which can quickly kill plants in poorly-drained or waterlogged conditions, particularly during periods of high humidity or excessive moisture.
- Crown rot management: Dense foliage rosettes can trap moisture and create conditions favorable for crown rot during humid conditions, requiring adequate air circulation and careful watering practices to prevent fungal establishment.
- Leaf spot diseases: Humid conditions combined with poor air circulation can lead to leaf spot diseases that weaken plants and predispose them to secondary problems, emphasizing the importance of proper spacing and air movement.
- Damping off in propagation: Seeds and young seedlings are particularly susceptible to damping off diseases in overly moist propagation conditions, requiring careful attention to moisture and air circulation during germination.
Cultural Problem Prevention
- Drainage optimization: The single most critical factor for preventing problems is ensuring perfect drainage while maintaining adequate moisture, creating conditions that prevent both drought stress and waterlogging.
- Air circulation management: Providing excellent air movement around plants helps prevent humidity-related fungal problems while also helping to mitigate heat stress during warmer periods.
- Microclimate control: Creating appropriate microclimates with consistent moisture, protection from extreme temperatures, and filtered light helps prevent environmental stresses that can trigger sudden collapse.
- Soil pH optimization: Maintaining slightly acidic to neutral soil pH prevents nutrient deficiencies and chemical stresses that can weaken plants and make them more susceptible to disease problems.
Pest Management Considerations
- Slug and snail protection: Soft foliage and moist growing conditions can attract slugs and snails, particularly during establishment periods, requiring monitoring and organic control methods if damage becomes significant.
- Aphid monitoring: Occasional aphid infestations may occur on tender new growth, particularly during spring flush periods, requiring gentle organic control methods that won't damage sensitive alpine plants.
- Thrips prevention: Hot, dry conditions may occasionally attract thrips to foliage, though this is less common in the cool, moist conditions preferred by mountain foxglove.
- Beneficial insect preservation: Any pest control measures must preserve beneficial insects that support the plant's ecosystem functions, emphasizing organic and targeted intervention approaches.
Specialized Monitoring Requirements
- Daily observation during establishment: New plantings require daily monitoring for signs of stress, wilting, or other problems that could indicate establishment difficulties or environmental issues.
- Seasonal transition vigilance: Pay particular attention during seasonal transitions when temperature and moisture changes can stress plants and trigger sudden decline episodes.
- Early intervention protocols: Develop protocols for immediate response to signs of stress, including adjusting moisture, improving drainage, or modifying microclimatic conditions before problems become irreversible.
- Environmental logging: Keep records of environmental conditions, watering schedules, and plant responses to identify patterns that may predict or prevent future problems.
Prevention-Focused Management
- Site preparation excellence: Invest heavily in proper site preparation including drainage improvement, soil amendment, and microclimate creation rather than relying on reactive treatments after problems develop.
- Proven variety selection: Choose only proven cultivated forms with demonstrated garden performance rather than experimenting with untested material that may be more prone to cultivation problems.
- Gradual acclimatization: Allow plants time to gradually adapt to garden conditions rather than subjecting them to sudden environmental changes that can trigger stress responses.
- Backup propagation: Maintain backup plants through careful propagation to ensure genetic preservation in case of sudden losses, as this species' tendency to collapse makes replacement planning essential.
Professional Growing Practices
- Specialist consultation: Consider consulting with alpine plant specialists or botanical gardens with experience growing this challenging species to learn location-specific cultivation techniques.
- Documentation importance: Keep detailed records of all cultural practices, environmental conditions, and plant responses to build knowledge base for improving success rates over time.
- Community learning: Connect with other alpine plant enthusiasts and native plant societies to share experiences and learn from both successes and failures with this demanding species.
- Conservation responsibility: Recognize that successful cultivation contributes to conservation efforts while failed attempts represent loss of valuable genetic material that cannot be replaced from wild sources.
Successful management of mountain foxglove requires accepting that this is an inherently challenging species that demands expertise, patience, and exceptional attention to detail, with the understanding that even experienced growers may experience sudden losses despite best efforts.
Cultural Significance
Cultural Importance
Alpine Garden Icon
Native foxglove’s showy spires feature in alpine-themed plantings and education gardens, highlighting New Zealand’s montane herbfields and their pollinator networks.
Ourisia macrophylla, also known as native foxglove, holds cultural significance primarily for Māori communities in New Zealand. Its importance extends beyond practical uses, representing a connection to the land and traditional knowledge systems passed down through generations. While not prominently featured in all Māori traditions, it is valued for its cultural heritage and is often included in restoration projects and educational programs aimed at preserving and sharing traditional knowledge about native plants. The plant is appreciated for its role in forest restoration and as a nectar source for native insects.
Bonus Tip
Mountain foxglove (Ourisia macrophylla) resents heat around the crown. In lower altitudes, tuck plants on the cool, east side of rocks or logs and top-dress with fine grit. This keeps the collar dry, reduces rot risk, and mimics its alpine scree habitat.
