Scarlet mistbush Plant Care

Scarlet mistbush (Ourisia glandulosa) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Ourisia genus. Scarlet mistbush is native to high-elevations in the southern South Island of New Zealand. Scarlet mistbush is also known as Red ourisia, Kikiwa.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Scarlet mistbush 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.

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

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

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

Feed Scarlet mistbush 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.

Scarlet mistbush is suited to USDA Zone 7a – 8b.

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.

Scarlet mistbush 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 Scarlet mistbush 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.

Scarlet mistbush is hardy down to USDA zone 7a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

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

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

Scarlet mistbush 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.

Scarlet mistbush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Scarlet mistbush is native to high-elevations in the southern South Island of New Zealand.