This species requires perfectly drained but always moist soil, high in humus. It tends to grow in northern and western parts of the North Island and in the north western part of the South Island. This is a clue to its cultivation. It also needs shade (full or partial) and shelter from wind and frosts. It is easily maintained as a potted plant with well-drained organic growing medium and enjoys a regular feed with balanced fertiliser (but flush well to avoid accumulation). It will grow directly in the garden if soil, shade and soil moisture/drainage requirements are met but can collapse and die from heat prostration under hot, dry conditions. It is easily grown from seed. Seed should be sown just below the surface into a well-drained medium (ordinary potting mix is best) and include an inoculum from the roots of well-established and healthy forest specimens. There seems to be a micorrhizal association that fosters seedling development. Seed sown without this treatment and into a sterile medium germinates but fails to thrive at the cotyledon stage, yellowing and dying. Germination is slow. Seed sown fresh in February will not germinate until late August-September so patience is required. There is much natural variation among seed-grown plants from place to place, including type and intensity of fragrance.