Is it Scotch broom? ScotвЂ™s broom? Well, both actually! The more correct term is вЂњScotвЂ™s broomвЂќ, as in, broom of the Scottish people. ItвЂ™s a hardy plant, down to 10 or 20 degrees below freezing. As long as it rains occasionally to rinse excess salt out, it can even grow very near the seashore. Wispy branches help it cope with hurricane-force winds. Like gorse and French broom, this particular species is very resistant to seaside environments. However, you might not even notice it because young seedlings quickly weave their way through their parentвЂ™s branches and take over.

Usually, Scotch broom will die out after 5 years. This shrub is definitely among the shortest-lived ones. This makes Spring a wonderful sight, since the entire bush is covered with yellow blooms! It lasts three or more weeks, too. Scotch broom flowers appear before its leaves. In that case, water often but make sure soil drains very well. itвЂ™s the first year after planting and youвЂ™ve planted in Spring.YouвЂ™ll never have to water your scotch broom at all, except if: These will bear flowers in the following spring. That way, over summer, new shoots will have time to form. Cut new shoots and growth back by half.Once it has reached the size youвЂ™d like it to keep, control the size in the following manner: ThereвЂ™s no need to prune it to make it take on that airy, wind-swept look! Scotch broom naturally spreads into wonderful wisps of leaves and flowers. Light is needed on the seed to trigger germination. Use any loose, well-draining soil mix and keep it moist.ДЄs for sowing the seeds, simply lay them on potting soil and barely sprinkle a little soil over them to help retain moisture.DonвЂ™t select shoots that have already carried flowers.Indeed, buds that would have become flowers in the next year will start rooting instead.Cuttings should be taken in summer on fresh growth.Like all plants of the Cytisus family, itвЂ™s easy to propagate this shrub through both cuttings and sowing. This shrub is excellent for growing a flowered hedge. If planting in Spring, make sure you watch over your scotch broom during the first summer, and water in case it gets too dry.The young shrub can spread its roots out throughout the winter. Planting when the soil is frozen is more difficult and less successful.ДЄs with most shrubs, November is best time for planting it.You can plant it either in Fall or in Spring. Usually, youвЂ™ll purchase your scotch broom seedlings in a nursery pot. Key facts for Scotch broomДefinitely among the easiest plants to care for: hardy, rarely sick, it self-seeds to compensate its short lifespan. Plentiful across Europe, Scotch broom is a shrub that bears wonderful flushes of yellow blooms in Spring.

Scotch broom plant