Species Scotch broom
yellow flowers with light-yellow stamens and green leaves on dark-green stems

Scotch broom

Cytisus scoparius

Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is an amazing species of plant that can transform any space into a colorful sight. It is an evergreen shrub with delicate foliage, yellow-blossomed flowers, and a bright green hue that stands out from the surrounding landscape. Its hardy nature makes it an ideal choice for gardens and landscapes, as it requires little water to thrive and can tolerate periods of drought. Scotch broom is also a favorite of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a perfect addition to any wildlife-friendly garden. Plus, it adds a vibrant pop of color to an otherwise drab stretch of land, making it the perfect way to bring life to any outdoor space.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained

Fruits:

yellow,brown,black Fruits In Summer Ready In

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Scotch broom should be watered moderately, depending on the weather. During winter and cooler months, it should only be watered once a week, while during summer, watering should be upped to twice a week. This evergreen shrub prefers moist but not overly soggy soil, so make sure soil is allowed to dry out a bit in between waterings. Water the soil evenly, ensuring water is going deep into the plant's roots, but avoid saturating the soil.

sunlight

Scotch broom is a fast-growing shrub species that thrives in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is particularly well-suited to mild, temperate climates where temperatures rarely dip below freezing. The plant grows and flowers best with direct sun during the peak of the day when sunlight is the strongest. Avoid planting it in locations with shady conditions, as the plant will not produce as many flowers or leaves.

pruning

Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) benefits from regular pruning to maintain a healthy shape and encourage bushy new growth. Pruning should take place in the spring after the last frost with old growth being cut to the ground. This should be done before the plant buds out in order to maintain an attractive shape. If the plant is becoming too large for its designated area, prune back 1-third of the oldest and tallest stems to the ground in late winter or spring. Repeat light pruning throughout the growing season as needed, then prune a little more heavily in winter.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Scotch broom typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Cytisus scoparius typically begins in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Cytisus scoparius typically begins in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map