How to Grow Broom
Cytisus scoparius
Broom is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant shrub that thrives on poor, well-drained soils in full sun. Plant in autumn or spring, water until established, then leave alone. Prune lightly after flowering by cutting new growth back by two-thirds, but never cut into old bare wood. As a nitrogen-fixer, it needs no feeding. Expect a lifespan of 10-15 years. Remove spent seed pods to prevent excessive self-seeding.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needed. A light feed in spring on very poor soils only. Broom fixes its own nitrogen.
Watch For
- Gall mites
- Broom moth caterpillars
- Dieback after hard pruning into old wood
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Needs full sun for best flowering. Tolerates light shade but becomes leggy and flowers poorly. Ideal for hot, sunny banks and slopes.
Watering
Minimal once established
Water newly planted broom until established (first year). Once settled, it is extremely drought-tolerant and needs no supplemental watering except in prolonged drought.
Fertilizing
None needed
Broom is a legume that fixes atmospheric nitrogen via root nodules. Feeding is unnecessary and counterproductive, encouraging weak, leggy growth. Thrives on poor soils.
Pruning
Light trim after flowering; never into old wood
After flowering in early summer, cut back the current season's growth by two-thirds. Never cut into old bare wood as it will not reshoot. Without annual trimming, plants become leggy and top-heavy.
Spacing
120-150 cm apart
Space plants 120-150 cm apart to allow their arching habit room to develop. They grow quickly and fill gaps within 2-3 years.
Support
None needed
Broom has a naturally sturdy, upright to arching habit and does not need staking or support. Exposed sites may cause lean but this is part of its natural character.
Growing Tips
Never cut into old wood
Broom does not regenerate from bare old wood. Always prune into green, leafy growth only. Hard pruning kills branches.
Thrives on neglect
Broom fixes nitrogen and prefers poor soil. Feeding encourages leggy growth and shortens lifespan. Leave it alone once established.
Short-lived but fast
Expect 10-15 years. Plan a replacement rather than trying to rejuvenate an old plant. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
