Short-stemmed broom Plant Care

Short-stemmed broom (Carmichaelia curta) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Carmichaelia genus. Short-stemmed broom is native to New Zealand.

Short-stemmed broom displays an upright shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Short-stemmed broom produces pea-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Short-stemmed 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.

Short-stemmed broom thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Carmichaelia curta tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Short-stemmed broom prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Short-stemmed broom to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Short-stemmed 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Short-stemmed broom 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.

Short-stemmed 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.

Prune Short-stemmed 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.

Short-stemmed broom 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.

Short-stemmed broom can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to new zealand broom plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Short-stemmed 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.

Short-stemmed broom grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Short-stemmed broom is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Short-stemmed broom as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.