Cytisus scoparius f. andreanus
common broom
Upright, deciduous shrub about 1.5m tall, with slender, arching green shoots bearing small bright green leaves composed of 3 leaflets. Clusters of pea-like bright butter-yellow flowers, splashed brownish-red on the back of the petals, appearing from the leaf axils, in late spring
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in well-drained, poor acid soils in full sun. Tolerant of lime but may become chlorotic on shallow chalk soils. Plant when young, brooms resent transplanting
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn and hardwood cuttings in midwinter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 3 but do not cut into old wood
Pests
May be susceptible to broom gall mites
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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