About
A deciduous shrub to 45m tall with small, dark green leaves and pea-like, deep purple flowers borne on the loose, upright to arching stems in May.
About the genus
Cytisus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, ranging from prostrate to erect and almost tree-like, with small, simple or 3-parted leaves and pea-like flowers spring or summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand, Loam, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
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
CultivationBest grown in well-drained, poor acid soils in full sun. Tolerant of lime but may become chlorotic on shallow chalk soils. Plant when young; brooms resent transplanting
PruningPruning group 1 or pruning group 3 but do not cut into old wood
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn, or by hardwood cuttings in midwinter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to broom gall mites
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus