Chamaecytisus purpureus
Purple broom
Also known as Cytisus purpureus
- Height × spread
- 0.45m × 0.7m
- 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
This has pretty, delicate looking, blooms that are far gentler in effect than many of its, often strident, family. It has pendulous branches that carry masses of lilac pea flowers which are borne freely during May. Out of flower it has slender green arching branches and forms a quiet plant. This needs sunshine and any moderate well drained soil. It reaches around 45cm (18in) height with 70cm (2ft 6in) spread.
- Flower colour
- Lilac, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.45m
- Spread
- 0.7m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
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 in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
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.