Cytisus scoparius
Common broom, Scotch broom, Broom
Also known as Sarothamnus scoparius
- Height × spread
- 2m × 2.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The lovely common broom obliges with a super show of bright yellow pea-like flowers in late spring and early summer. These are followed by striking black pods. The branches are very slender bearing small, rather insignificant, leaves and the plant fades into the background after its spectacular show of blossom. It really needs a site that will show off its character so it looks good in silhouette; perhaps at the top of a wall so that the blue sky can be a foil for the yellow flowers. It also looks good on the craggy top of a rock or planted in a wild place.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 2.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Winter
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Rabbits
- Protect young -plants from rabbits
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water after 2 weeks of no rain
Established plants in the ground enjoy dry or well drained soil, but don't survive long periods without water. When there's been no rain for a fortnight, do a deep water. Repeat after 1-2 weeks when the soil has dried out. Check plants in pots more often.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune new growth
Prune in early spring being careful only to prune wood that has been grown in the previous season of growth. Dead branches and misplaced or awkward branches can be removed in their entirety.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Found in
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