Overview
Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby' is a matforming shrub in the genus Cytisus, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.
About
Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby' is a cultivar of the Cytisus genus, a group of flowering shrubs in the Fabaceae family commonly known as brooms. This shrub thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered position with well-drained soil of moderate moisture. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for growing in borders, rock gardens, or containers. To maintain its shape and encourage bushiness, it should be pruned after flowering. Propagation is best achieved through semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer.
About the genus
Cytisus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, native to open sites in Europe, western Asia and North Africa. It belongs to the subfamily Faboideae, and is one of several genera in the tribe Genisteae which are commonly called brooms. They are shrubs producing masses of brightly coloured, pea-like flowers, often highly fragrant.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cytisus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cytisus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cytisus
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Avoid heavy, wet soils.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Broom gall mites
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby'?
Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Avoid heavy, wet soils.
Where is the best place to plant Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby'?
Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby' need?
Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby' hardy in the UK?
Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Cytisus boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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