ShrubsCytisus scoparius
Common Broom
Common Broom is a cheerfully flowering shrub that becomes smothered in bright yellow, butterfly-shaped flowers in May and June. The fine, broom-like green stems give the plant an airy look, even in winter. Broom is especially suited to dry, poor soil and enriches the ground with nitrogen through root nodules.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 100–200 cm
- Spread
- 80–150 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–8
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- yellow
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil. Broom needs no fertilising — the plant fixes its own nitrogen. Watering is rarely required; the shrub is exceptionally drought-tolerant. Avoid heavy, wet soils.
Pruning tips
Prune immediately after flowering by shortening spent shoots by a third. Never cut into old wood — broom does not regrow from it. Left unpruned, the plant can become bare at the base.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
ShrubsGenista lydia
Lydian Broom
Lydian Broom is a compact, dome-shaped shrub that becomes completely covered in small, bright yellow flowers in May and June. The fine, densely branched green stems arch gracefully and form a tight cushion. The plant is ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and the front of dry borders.
ShrubsPotentilla fruticosa
Shrubby Cinquefoil
Shrubby cinquefoil is a tireless bloomer producing an endless stream of buttercup-yellow flowers from June to September. This compact shrub is hardy to the coldest zones and makes virtually no demands on the soil. The fine, compound leaflets give the plant an airy appearance. Ideal for low hedges and borders.