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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.

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. Pseudowintera colorata is commonly included in a mixed planting, trimmed into a hedge, used as a backdrop for smaller plants, planted around the pool or barbecue area, or mass planted for a stunning display.

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
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics. Large clusters of cream-white flowers are produced in spring which result in masses of bright red-orange berries which can remain on the tree into winter. It bears lush, lime green foliage which develops light orange tones in autumn before falling as it grows to 7 m tall and 5 m wide. Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is commonly grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting, used in avenue plantings, or included in a cottage garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 7.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Avenues, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

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Pseudowintera colorata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Fuscospora, Juniperus, Phormium, Pittosporum, Podocarpus, Prunus, Pseudowintera Rhododendron and Sorbus, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Flaxes, Evergreen Shrubs, Vireya Rhododendon, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Flowering Cherry Tree.

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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