Sign In 
Get Premium New Zealand Broom
(Carmichaelia australis)
New Zealand Broom (Carmichaelia australis)
/
/
Lisa Bennett
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Lisa Bennett
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Lisa Bennett | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Lisa Bennett | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-11-26T15:26:30-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements
| • Precipitation | 18" - 222" |
| • High Temp. | 56°F - 83°F |
| • Low Temp. | 15°F - 53°F |
Summary
Carmichaelia australis, commonly known as New Zealand Broom or Common Broom, is an evergreen shrub native to a variety of habitats in New Zealand, including dry riverbeds, open scrublands, and rocky areas. It typically grows to a height of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a width of 3 feet (0.9 meters). This plant is characterized by its slender, leafless green branches that photosynthesize, and small, inconspicuous leaves that may appear on seedlings or after injury. The flowers, which are usually purple and white, bloom in the spring and summer and are followed by seed pods that add interest to the plant.
New Zealand Broom is valued for its unique form and adaptability to a range of garden settings. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens with low water availability. It can be used in rock gardens, as a specimen plant, or in mass plantings for textural contrast. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good drainage. Gardeners should be aware that it can be sensitive to root disturbance. There are no major disease or pest issues, but it may not thrive in overly wet or humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
New Zealand Broom is valued for its unique form and adaptability to a range of garden settings. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens with low water availability. It can be used in rock gardens, as a specimen plant, or in mass plantings for textural contrast. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good drainage. Gardeners should be aware that it can be sensitive to root disturbance. There are no major disease or pest issues, but it may not thrive in overly wet or humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-12 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Dry riverbeds, open scrublands, and rocky areas in New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Carmichaelia australis, Carmichaelia aligera, Carmichaelia flagelliformis, Carmichaelia cunninghamii, Carmichaelia robusta, Carmichaelia rivulata, Carmichaelia subulata, Carmichaelia arenaria, Carmichaelia violacea
GBIF Accepted Name: Carmichaelia australis R.Br.