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mountain horopito

Looking for a hardy New Zealand native with unique appeal? Mountain horopito is one of our most fascinating and resilient local shrubs, prized for its striking foliage, edible uses, and natural adaptability. Whether you’re intrigued by its peppery leaves or after a garden plant that thrives in tough conditions, mountain horopito is a versatile choice for homes and landscapes across NZ. Read on to discover everything you need to know about mountain horopito, from growing tips, uses in cooking and health, to how it fits into native gardens alongside other exceptional species.

Phormium cookianum

5 from 1 customers

Phormium cookianum, commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki, is a graceful New Zealand native valued for its arching green leaves and tall flower spikes. It typically grows 1–1.5 metres tall and wide, making it ideal for borders, mass plantings, or coastal gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Living areas, Ponds
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Pseudowintera colorata colourful foliage.

Pseudowintera colorata

5 from 2 customers

Pseudowintera colorata, commonly known as Mountain Horopito, is a NZ native shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth has dominant red tones and ages to become green-yellow with a red edge. Small, yellow-green flowers complement the foliage in spring and result in small, dark fruit. This evergreen typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' lush, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green'

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' is a robust New Zealand native shrub prized for its vibrant green foliage and dense growth. Perfect for creating privacy...

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Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$270.40
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Prunus Mountain Haze

Prunus 'Mountain Haze' is a beautiful flowering cherry that produces an abundance of soft blossoms during spring, creating a spectacular display in...

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Juniperus 'Skyrocket' shrubs with blue-grey foliage.
Juniperus 'Skyrocket'

Juniperus 'Skyrocket', commonly known as the Skyrocket Juniper or Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a popular conifer that grows as a broad column. It...

From$270.40
Euphorbia 'Snow On The Mountain' plant.
Euphorbia 'Snow on the Mountain'

Euphorbia 'Snow on the Mountain' is a striking evergreen perennial admired for its attractive green foliage edged with creamy white and its clusters...

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Hydrangea serrata pink flower with blue florets, surrounded by lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea serrata (Tea of Heaven)

Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea) is a refined deciduous shrub prized for its delicate lacecap flowers and compact growth habit. Flowering...

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Hoheria lyallii tree with white flowers.
Hoheria lyallii

Hoheria lyallii, commonly known as Mountain Lacebark, is a small, semi-deciduous tree that grows to about 4 m high and 2.5 m wide. The leaves on...

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Ceanothus 'Mountain Haze' plant with blue flowers.
Ceanothus 'Mountain Haze'

Ceanothus 'Mountain Haze' is a graceful evergreen shrub valued for its airy, pale blue flower clusters and fine textured foliage. It brings a soft...

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Podocarpus lawrencei plant with green foliage and red berries.
Podocarpus lawrencei (Mountain Plum Pine)

Podocarpus lawrencei (Plum Pine) is a hardy evergreen conifer admired for its dense fine textured foliage and naturally compact growth habit. This...

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Kalmia latifolia 'Pristine' (Mountain Laurel)

Kalmia latifolia 'Pristine' is an elegant evergreen mountain laurel selected for its abundant pure white flowers that contrast beautifully against...

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Sorbus aucuparia

Sorbus aucuparia (Mountain Ash) is a graceful deciduous tree admired for its attractive fern like foliage, clusters of creamy white flowers in...

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Coprosma Lobster plant in a garden with vibrant red foliage.
Coprosma 'Lobster' (Mountain Coprosma )

Coprosma 'Lobster' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its glossy foliage in shades of deep red, burgundy, and chocolate. This compact shrub...

OUT OF STOCK
Hoheria glabrata green foliage and white flowers.
Hoheria glabrata (Lacebark Tree)

Hoheria glabrata, commonly known as Mountain Ribbonwood or Lacebark Tree, is an attractive, deciduous tree growing to about 10 m and 3 m wide. The...

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Cordyline indivisa tree with green foliage.
Cordyline indivisa (Mountain Cabbage Tree)

Cordyline indivisa, commonly known as the Mountain Cabbage Tree, features broad, green leaves radiating from a central crown. It grows into a tree...

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Olearia macrodonta minor shrub.
Olearia macrodonta Minor (Tree Daisy)

Olearia macrodonta minor is a compact form of the well known Mountain Daisy Tree, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens and landscapes in...

OUT OF STOCK
Picea engelmannii trees.
Picea engelmannii

Picea engelmannii, commonly known as Engelmann Spruce, is a hardy evergreen conifer native to North America’s mountain regions. It features dense...

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Weinmannia racemosa (Kamahi) tree with lush foliage and pink flowers.
Weinmannia racemosa (Kāmahi)

Weinmannia racemosa, commonly known as Kamahi, is one of New Zealand’s most widespread native trees. This evergreen species features leathery green...

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Pseudopanax colensoi dark green leaves.
Pseudopanax colensoi (Mountain Five Finger)

Pseudopanax colensoi, commonly known as Rautawhiri, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub or small tree prized for its leathery, glossy green...

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Melaleuca 'Mountain Fire'

Melaleuca 'Mountain Fire' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its vibrant red new growth that creates a bold display in NZ gardens. This eye...

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Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera' palm tree.
Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera' (Atlas Mountain Palm)

Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera' is a striking evergreen palm valued for its beautiful silver blue fan shaped foliage and naturally clumping growth...

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Nothofagus cliffortioides (Mountain Beech) red flowers and green foliage.
Nothofagus Cliffortioides

Nothofagus cliffortioides, commonly known as Mountain Beech, is a hardy NZ native tree that thrives in challenging conditions. It is recognised for...

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A large Astelia nervosa (Mountain Astelia) plant with colourful foliage in a semi-shaded spot.
Astelia nervosa (Mountain Astelia)

Astelia nervosa, or Mountain Astelia, is a striking New Zealand native valued for its colourful, sword-like foliage. The leaves range from...

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Olearia ilicifolia serrated foliage on a shrub with white flowers.
Olearia ilicifolia

Olearia ilicifolia, commonly known as Mountain Holly, is a hardy NZ native shrub or small tree valued for its distinctive holly like foliage and...

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Centaurea montana blue and pink flowers.
Centaurea montana

Commonly known as the Moutain Bluet or Perennial Cornflowers, this is an herbaceous perennial grown for its interesting and colourful flowers. It...

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Olearia avicenniifolia shrub with masses of white flowers.
Olearia avicenniifolia

Olearia avicenniifolia, commonly known as Mountain Ake Ake, is a hardy NZ native tree valued for its fast growth and year round foliage. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Abies vejarii green foliage with a large cone.
Abies vejarii (Abeto Tree)

Abies vejarii, also known as the Abeto Tree, is a rare and striking evergreen conifer native to the high mountains of Mexico. This impressive tree is...

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rubus-parvus-
Rubus parvus (Mountain Lawyer)

Commonly known as Mountain Lawyer, this is an evergreen creeper with thorny stems and leaves. It features long and narrow, green leaves that have...

OUT OF STOCK
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Pieris 'Mountain Fire'

Pieris 'Mountain Fire' is a stunning evergreen shrub renowned for its brilliant red new growth that creates a dramatic display in spring. As the...

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Helianthus 'Table Mountain' plants with yellow flowers.
Helianthus Table Mountain (Willow-Leaved Sunflower)

Helianthus 'Table Mountain' is a compact and free flowering perennial sunflower valued for its masses of bright yellow blooms and tidy growth habit...

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Metrosideros Fire Mountain plant with red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Fire Mountain'

Metrosideros 'Fire Mountain' is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree admired for its fiery red brush like flowers that bloom profusely in summer...

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Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Ceanothus, Euphorbia, and Fuscospora, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Flaxes, and Perennials.

Search mountain horopito

What is Mountain Horopito?

Mountain horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) is a legendary evergreen native found in cool, upland forests right across New Zealand. The shrub stands out with its mottled, red-and-green leaves, sometimes flecked with bright yellow, offering year-round colour and interest. It’s also a remarkable natural spice source: horopito leaves contain a compound called polygodial, which delivers their signature peppery kick.

For more information and to add mountain horopito to your garden, explore Pseudowintera colorata.

Why Grow Mountain Horopito?

Mountain horopito is renowned for its hardiness. It tolerates cold, shade, and variable soils, making it superb for tricky spots where other plants struggle. Use mountain horopito for ornamental hedging, native forest restoration, or naturalistic landscaping. Its colourful foliage and compact growth habit give structure and vibrancy to garden borders and woodland beds.

If you’re passionate about restoring native bush or want to build a unique New Zealand-themed garden, consider pairing mountain horopito with robust natives like Phormium cookianum. You might also complement your horopito with the lush blue flowers of Ceanothus 'Mountain Haze' (California Lilac Mountain Haze) or the architectural form of Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ).

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Mountain horopito isn’t just a looker—its leaves are edible and widely used as a native spice. The peppery taste works well in savoury dishes, herbal teas, and as an ingredient in rubs or sauces. Traditionally, horopito was also used by Māori for its natural antifungal and antibacterial benefits, making it part of many health remedies.

Gardeners interested in unusual edible plants might also like Euphorbia Snow on the Mountain, which offers striking variegation and season-long impact.

How to Grow Mountain Horopito

Mountain horopito is easy to grow once established. Plant in well-drained soil, preferably in semi-shade, and ensure the spot remains moist but not waterlogged. It grows well alongside other NZ natives and can handle exposed mountain gardens if acclimated. Prune lightly after flowering to keep a tidy shape and encourage fresh new growth.

If you’re after a unique, low-maintenance New Zealand shrub with culinary and ornamental value, mountain horopito should top your list. Visit our Pseudowintera colorata page to find mountain horopito for sale and let your garden showcase the best of Aotearoa’s flora.


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