Ourisia crosbyi Plant Care

Ourisia crosbyi (Ourisia crosbyi) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Ourisia genus. Ourisia crosbyi is native to montane forests.

Ourisia crosbyi displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Ourisia crosbyi produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ourisia crosbyi every 4–7 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.

Ourisia crosbyi thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Ourisia crosbyi in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ourisia crosbyi tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Ourisia crosbyi prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Ourisia crosbyi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ourisia crosbyi 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 shade to full shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ourisia crosbyi is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Ourisia crosbyi 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 Ourisia crosbyi 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.

Ourisia crosbyi 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.

Ourisia crosbyi can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tufted foxglove plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Ourisia crosbyi is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. 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.

Ourisia crosbyi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ourisia crosbyi is native to montane forests. In cooler regions, grow Ourisia crosbyi as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.