About

Initially, this plant appears as a cluster of dead twigs, but it matures into a small weeping tree reaching approximately 4 meters in height. Its elongated, green, and predominantly leafless branches hang in a cord-like fashion. In mid-summer, it produces short clusters of pale purple pea flowers.

About the genus

Carmichaelia consists of deciduous shrubs that resemble brooms, characterized by their flattened green stems. Typically, these plants are leafless in maturity and produce an abundance of small, often fragrant, pea-shaped flowers during the summer months.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees
Habit
Pendulous weeping
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native to
New Zealand

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, well-drained but not too dry soil in a sunny position with shelter from cold wind and severe frost
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a coldframe in autumn, or sow seed that has been scarified or pre-soaked in hot water, in spring. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free