Scotch Broom Care
Cytisus scoparius
A very hardy shrub with showy yellow flowers. However, by producing abundant seed it has become an invasive species in many regions, so planting and management require care.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- General care: The plant is dormant; this is a good time to pull out unwanted seedlings by the roots.
- Fertilizing: Absolutely do not fertilize; this encourages spreading.
- General care: It is getting ready to wake.
- Watering: Not needed. Spring rains are sufficient.
- Plant protection: Aphids may be seen but are usually not a problem.
- General care: New shoots grow rapidly.
- Pruning: Not done; it is flowering time.
- General care: Dense flowering period.
- Pruning: As soon as flowering ends, without giving it a chance to set seed, prune all the flowering green shoots hard, removing at least half; never cut down to the old, woody trunk.
- General care: Drainage is vital for this plant. In heavy, water-retaining soil, plant on a mound or bed raised 20-30 cm, and keep the root collar above the surrounding soil level.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Pruning: If it was not done in May, this is the urgent last chance for pruning.
- General care: Plants that are pruned produce new shoots; if not pruned, seed pods form.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Pruning: Prune as soon as flowering ends. Next year's flower buds form over the summer; late pruning reduces flowering.
- General care: It is fully tolerant of summer drought.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- General care: On unpruned plants, seed pods (pods) darken and mature.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- General care: It is now too late to prevent the spread of the seeds; pull up by hand the small new seedlings that appear in the garden.
- Pests & diseases: Spread by seed reaches its maximum this month.
- Watering: Not needed; the rains begin.
- General care: Avoid planting new seedlings; instead, clear unwanted seedlings in the garden.
- Pests & diseases: It begins to shed its leaves.
- General care: In winter precipitation, make sure water does not collect in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than watering. Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under the leaves.
- Pests & diseases: It is dormant.
- General care: The plant is fully dormant.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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