Purple Broomrape Plant Care

Purple Broomrape (Aphyllon purpureum) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Aphyllon genus. Purple Broomrape is native to much of North America. Purple Broomrape is also known as Naked Broomrape.

Purple Broomrape displays a low, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Purple Broomrape produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Purple Broomrape every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Purple Broomrape thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Purple Broomrape in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Aphyllon purpureum tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Purple Broomrape prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Purple Broomrape to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Purple Broomrape is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Purple Broomrape can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Purple Broomrape while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Purple Broomrape is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Purple Broomrape can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aphyllon californicum plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Purple Broomrape is susceptible to not commonly affected by pests. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Purple Broomrape grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Purple Broomrape is native to much of North America. In cooler regions, grow Purple Broomrape as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.