Ourisia modesta Plant Care

Ourisia modesta (Ourisia modesta) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Ourisia genus. Ourisia modesta is native to New Zealand and was described by Ludwig Diels in 1909.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

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

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

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

Feed Ourisia modesta 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 modesta 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 modesta 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 modesta 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 modesta 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 modesta 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.

Ourisia modesta 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 modesta grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ourisia modesta is native to New Zealand and was described by Ludwig Diels in 1909. In cooler regions, grow Ourisia modesta as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.