Photo: Steve KerrCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
New Zealand Broom Plant Care
Carmichaelia australis R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's slender, needle-like leaves give it a unique appearance that stands out in any garden. Originating from New Zealand, Carmichaelia australis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rarity and striking foliage, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for New Zealand Broom?
Plant New Zealand Broom in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 8b–10b) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the New Zealand Broom Native To?
What Is the New Zealand Broom?
New Zealand Broom (Carmichaelia australis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Carmichaelia genus. New Zealand Broom is native to New Zealand and found in both the North and South Islands.
New Zealand Broom displays an upright shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. New Zealand Broom produces pea-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a New Zealand Broom?
Water a young or newly planted New Zealand Broom 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the New Zealand Broom Need?
New Zealand Broom thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the New Zealand Broom Prefer?
Carmichaelia australis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. New Zealand Broom prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a New Zealand Broom?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for New Zealand Broom to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a New Zealand Broom?
Feed New Zealand Broom every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a New Zealand Broom?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
New Zealand Broom is suited to USDA Zone 8b – 10b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a New Zealand Broom?
New Zealand Broom can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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.
How Do You Prune a New Zealand Broom?
Prune New Zealand Broom 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.
How Do You Care for a New Zealand Broom in Winter?
New Zealand Broom is hardy down to USDA zone 8b, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a New Zealand Broom?
New Zealand Broom can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to new zealand broom plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the New Zealand Broom Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list New Zealand Broom, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the New Zealand Broom?
New Zealand Broom is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the New Zealand Broom Need?
New Zealand Broom grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. New Zealand Broom is native to New Zealand and found in both the North and South Islands.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
New Zealand Broom is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Carmichaelia genus — compare its care with other Carmichaelia species on PlantoScan.
Carmichaelia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
New Zealand Broom thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Carmichaelia Species
Other Carmichaelia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Carmichaelia australis R.Br., family Fabaceae (first published in Bot. Reg. 11: t. 912 (1825)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list New Zealand Broom, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Steve Kerr, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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