About
Upright, deciduous shrub about 1.5m tall, with slender, arching green shoots bearing small vivid green leaves composed of 3 leaflets. Clusters of pea-like bright butter-yellow flowers, splashed brownish-red on the back of the petals, appearing from the leaf axils, in late spring.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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 3 but do not cut into old wood
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn and hardwood cuttings in midwinter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to broom gall mites
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus