Plant Profile: Scotch Broom (Cytissus scoparius)

This plant is a mixed bag; in many areas the species has become invasive but the cultivars, at least, are lovely garden plants blooming in the spring but providing interest all year with their graceful arching evergreen stems. The color of the species’ flower is an attractive bright yellow but the cultivars come in many different colors and combinations of colors. They add a unique feature to the border so if you think you might like to try them, find one of the cultivars that are better behaved than the species.

Type: Shrub.

Outstanding Feature: Gracefully arching evergreen stems; colorful flowers.

Form: Cascading.

Growth Rate: Moderate (cultivars) to rapid (species.)

Bloom: Yellow, red, pink, orange, white, lavender, purple and combiniations of these colors in spring. Flowers are typical pea family type of flower and are produced on old wood.

Size: 5-10’ H x 3-6’ W.

Light: Full sun.

Soil: Poor soil even sandy or heavy clay; tend to be drought tolerant.

Hardiness: Zones 5/6-8, depending on the cultivar.

Care: Low maintenance; can cut back some growth after blooming but always leave at least some of the oldest stems.

Pests and Diseases: Susceptible to leaf and stem blight; caterpillars.

Propagation: Species reseeds prodigiously; cultivars by cuttings.

Outstanding Selections:

‘Lilac Time’: reddish-pink and purple; compact; 2-3’ H and W; hardiness 6-8.
‘Moonlight’ creamy-white or primrose; fast growing to 5-6’ H and W; hardy in zone 6-8.
‘Pomona’ : orange and apricot flowers; to 5’ T x 4’ W; hardy in zones 5-8.

Tagged as: Cytissus scoparius, scotch broom, shrub