Cytisus scoparius
common broom
Upright, deciduous shrub about 1.5m tall, with slender green shoots bearing small bright green leaves composed of 3 leaflets, and clusters of pea-like bright butter-yellow flowers, appearing from the leaf axils, in late spring
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
°Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Black | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or °Â±ð²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Cytisus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, ranging from prostrate to erect and almost tree-like, with small, simple or 3-parted leaves and pea-like flowers spring or summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun with a little shelter from cold drying winds; broom thrives in poor acid soils and may become chlorotic on shallow chalk soils. Plant when young, resents transplanting
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 3. Do not cut into old wood
Pests
May be susceptible to broom gall mites
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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