Overview
Carmichaelia australis is a bushy shrubs in the genus Carmichaelia, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Carmichaelia australis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, coastal, wall side borders and flower borders and beds.
About
Carmichaelia australis, commonly known as New Zealand broom, is a bushy deciduous shrub belonging to the Fabaceae family. Like other members of the Carmichaelia genus, it features flattened green stems and is typically leafless when mature. This cultivar produces numerous small, often fragrant, pea-shaped flowers during spring and summer. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring sheltered, well-drained soils ranging from chalk to clay and sand, with a neutral to alkaline pH. Suitable for various garden settings, it is hardy to UK zone H3 and can be propagated by seed or semi-ripe cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Carmichaelia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Carmichaelia australis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wall side borders, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Carmichaelia australis
- Propagation
- Seed sown in a coldframe in autumn, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Carmichaelia australis?
Carmichaelia australis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Carmichaelia australis need?
Carmichaelia australis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Carmichaelia australis hardy in the UK?
Carmichaelia australis has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Carmichaelia australis?
Seed sown in a coldframe in autumn, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
More in the Carmichaelia genus
- Carmichaelia astonii
- Carmichaelia astonii 'Chalk Ridge'
- Carmichaelia corrugata
- Carmichaelia curta
- Carmichaelia muritai
- Carmichaelia petriei
