Mountain foxglove Plant Care

Mountain foxglove (Ourisia spathulata) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Ourisia genus. Mountain foxglove is native to high-elevation habitats in Southland on the South Island of New Zealand. Mountain foxglove is also known as Spathulate ourisia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mountain foxglove 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.

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

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

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

Feed Mountain foxglove 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.

Mountain foxglove 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.

Mountain foxglove 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 Mountain foxglove 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.

Mountain foxglove 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 foxglove 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.

Mountain foxglove 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.

Mountain foxglove grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Mountain foxglove is native to high-elevation habitats in Southland on the South Island of New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Mountain foxglove as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.