Overview

Ourisia macrocarpa is a perennial in the genus Ourisia, part of the Scrophulariaceae family. Ourisia macrocarpa grows best in partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and acidic to neutral pH. Suggested uses include rock gardens and alpine gardens. It is native to South Island and New Zealand.

About

Ourisia macrocarpa is a perennial from the South Island of New Zealand, valued for its summer display of white flowers. It favours partial shade and a sheltered position, preferring north or east aspects. The plant needs moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with an acidic to neutral pH. Flowering runs from June to August and it suits rock and alpine gardens.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ourisia macrocarpa

About the genus

Ourisia is a genus of flowering plants of the family Plantaginaceae, native to Andean South America, Tasmania or New Zealand.

Wikipedia contributors, "Ourisia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ourisia

In the garden

Ourisia macrocarpa is a perennial member of the Scrophulariaceae native to the South Island of New Zealand. In cultivation it is grown for its white summer flowers and its preference for cool, sheltered sites rather than exposed plains. The flowering season in the UK is June to August. Site choice is important: give it partial shade on a north or east-facing aspect with protection from prevailing winds. Soil should be humus-rich, free-draining but able to retain moisture, and on the acidic to neutral side of pH. A spot behind a low wall or in a crevice where soil remains cool and sheltered will suit it better than exposed, windy borders. Plants work best in rock gardens and alpine-style beds where pockets of humus-rich soil can be provided. Keep the root run evenly moist without compaction; good drainage is essential so avoid heavy waterlogging. Place it in a location where the summer blooms are visible against rock or gravel, and expect flowers in mid to high summer between June and August.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Ourisia

Sunlight

partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, humus-rich

Soil pH

acidic to neutral

Soil moisture

moist

Aspect

north, east

Exposure

sheltered

Plant details

Ourisia macrocarpa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

rock gardens, alpine gardens

Native to

South Island, New Zealand

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Ourisia macrocarpa

Cultivation

requires cool, moist conditions; avoid waterlogging

Pruning

remove dead flower stems after blooming

Propagation

seed, division

Frequently asked questions