Leaves are green and small, usually lanceolate.
The two main species that share the common name broom areCytisusandGenista.
Both look very similar.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The main difference is thatGenistasare more tolerant of lime in water and soil.
Broom plants bear pea-like flowers in shades of yellow that attract pollinators.
Cultivars and hybrids in a wide range of other flower colors are also available.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Broom plants are toxic to humans, and toxic to pets.
Broom Plant Care
Broom plants come in varying heights and colorful displays.
Setting aside concerns about the invasive nature of brooms, their landscape uses are quite versatile.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Taller varieties of brooms can be planted as a hedge or border.
The dwarf varieties of brooms look beautifully nestled as mass plantings ina rock garden.
Broom plants like workable, well-draining soil in open, sunny locations.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The plants will tolerate wind, poor soil, drought, and rocky soil and are overall low-maintenance.
Acidic soil is best.Cytisusdislikes alkaline/chalky soils andGenistatolerates lime more easily.
Mulch alkaline soil in the spring withericaceous compost.
Maintain moisture in its first year to establish roots.
Give an inch of water each week during its first summer and during heat or drought.
Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Broom benefits from habitual watering if the location is dry and the soil is poor.
Temperature and Humidity
Broom performs best in conditions that would cause many other flowering shrubs to fail.
Temperatures between 35 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the autumn and winter months encourage blooming.
Apply a 2-inch layer of lightweight shredded bark mulch to keep the roots cool and the soil moist.
This will also provide a layer of insulation against the hot summer sun.
verify the mulch doesn’t touch the base.
Fertilizer
Broom thrives even in poor soil, therefore fertilizer is usually not necessary.
Broom Types
There are numerous broom species, cultivars, and hybrids.
There are slight differences in pruningCytisusandGenistas.
Pruning Cytisus
PruneCytisusvarieties every year after they have stopped flowering.
When pruningCytisus racemosus, timing is of the essence.
Flowers appear on old wood and pruning at the wrong time could prevent or delay blooming.
Prune in late spring or summer after bloom season is over.
Do not prune in autumn or winter.
Give the plant enough time to produce mature wood so that it will flower in spring again.
Use very sharp, sterilized pruning shears to cut the plant back by a third.
Cut each time at a 45-degree angle.
Cutting straight across will cause the stem to hold rainwater and rot.
does not need to be pruned at all.
Propagating Broom Plant
Broom has a deep, branched taproot that resents being disturbed.
check that the pot has large drainage holes.
because the plants do not like wet feet.
Fill it with well-draining lightweight potting mix.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Webwormsare the most common issue to look out for.
They tend to overwinter in old debris, so rake the area around the plant completely clean.
The other reason could be lack of sunlight.
Broom needs full sun to bloom.
Scotch broom is native to North Africa and parts of Europe.
They are relatively short-lived shrubs.
The maximum lifespan is ten to 15 years.
They spread almost exclusively by seed dispersal, which makes them highly invasive.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board.
