Botanical name:

Carmichaelia kirkii

Common name(s):

Climbing broom, Kirk’s broom

About:

A rare species of broom that can be found in just a few specific localities throughout Canterbury and North Otago. This unique plant exhibits a scrambling growth habit and produces beautiful white and purple flowers that add a distinct charm to its surroundings.

Natural habitat:

A plant of moderate to high fertility sites. Usually associated with grey scrub communities particularly those along riverbanks and gorges, or on poorly drained river terraces. It is often associated with totara (Podocarpus totara var. totara) forest, and has also been found in carex dominated wetlands, or within kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides ) dominated forest.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind & Wetland tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Eastern South Island, from the Awatere River to North Otago

Height: 3m

Flowering:

November - January with a violet/purple or white coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

January – June

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Forests & Wetlands

How to grow:

Easy from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. A beautiful lianoid shrub which is best treated as a climber, or allowed to grow up through another shrub. It does best in full sun, and though tolerant of dry conditions, grows better in moist ground. As with most Carmichaelia this species does not like humidity.