Mountain Lacebark Plant Care

Mountain Lacebark (Hoheria glabrata) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Hoheria genus. Mountain Lacebark is native to New Zealand growing to 10 m (33 ft) tall with green leaves that turn yellow in autumn, and white flowers that appear around January. Mountain Lacebark is also known as Ribbonwood.

Mountain Lacebark displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Mountain Lacebark produces small white or cream flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

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

Mountain Lacebark thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Hoheria glabrata tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Mountain Lacebark prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Mountain Lacebark to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mountain Lacebark every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mountain Lacebark is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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

Mountain Lacebark can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Mountain Lacebark 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 tree in one year.

Mountain Lacebark is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mountain Lacebark can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.

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

Mountain Lacebark is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Mountain Lacebark grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Mountain Lacebark is native to New Zealand growing to 10 m (33 ft) tall with green leaves that turn yellow in autumn, and white flowers that appear around January. In cooler regions, grow Mountain Lacebark as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.