About
Cytisus demissus, the dwarf broom, is a slow-growing, mat-forming, deciduous broom to 8 cm tall and 20 cm wide with lime-green, silky-hairy, trifoliate leaves and bunches of yellow flowers with brown keels in late spring and early summer. A charming and compact broom for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or trough.
About the genus
Cytisus, the brooms, are deciduous or evergreen shrubs ranging from prostrate ground-covers to tall, upright shrubs with slender, green, photosynthetic stems, small, simple or trifoliate leaves and pea-like flowers in yellow, white, pink, red or bicoloured in spring or early summer. Excellent shrubs for sunny, well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
ToxicityHumans/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
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun, tolerant of a range of soils but best in poor acid soils. Plant directly from tubs when small as they resent transplanting
PruningPruning group 3 but do not cut back into old wood
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to broom gall mites
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus