Species Spanish broom

Spanish broom

Spartium junceum

Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) is a flowering shrub native to the Mediterranean. It grows to a height of 3-4 feet and its yellow-green branches are tipped with small fragrant yellow flowers. It prefers full sun and is drought tolerant and hardy once established. As it is an invasive species, be sure to check local regulations before planting. It attracts pollinators and is often used as a mass planting or in borders for a splash of color. Prune to promote air circulation and foot traffic through plantings.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For Spanish broom, water deeply once a week during the summer months. If the plant experiences extended hot and dry weather, water twice a week. During cooler months, water every 2 or 3 weeks. Soak the plant's root zone with enough water to moisten the soil 6 to 8 inches deep. Spanish broom is a relatively drought-tolerant plant and overwatering can cause root rot.

sunlight

Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) grows best in areas that receive full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It should ideally receive 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It will tolerate some temperature fluctuations, but it does best when temperatures remain in the range of 60°F-80°F. During extended periods of heat, it should receive some afternoon shade to prevent stresses on the plant.

pruning

Spanish broom should be pruned annually, during the late summer or early fall months. Pruning should be fairly extensive, removing up to 1-third of the entire plant. Remove any dead or diseased branches and thin out dense areas to improve air circulation. If the plant is overgrown and old, drastic pruning can be done to rejuvenate it, removing up to 2-thirds of the plant's material. All pruning cuts should be made just above a healthy bud or branch collar. Following pruning, Spanish broom should be fertilized lightly to encourage new growth.

Season

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

Spanish broom typically starts flowering in April or May.

Hardiness Map