Cytisus scoparius

Common broom

Common names: Broom

This description was machine-translated.

Description

The common broom (Cytisus scoparius) is a summer‑green shrub with spiny, dark green shoots and bright yellow butterfly‑shaped flowers. It blooms in May and June, when the branches are densely covered with blossoms. It prefers lean, well‑drained soils and thrives on sandy, nutrient‑poor sites. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds in the small pods, are toxic. Keep children and pets away from the ripe seeds and do not let children play with the pods.

Care instructions

Plant the common broom in a sunny, warm spot with lean to normal, well‑drained soil. It does not tolerate waterlogging; a sandy or gravelly substrate is best. Prune immediately after flowering to keep the shrub bushy; avoid cutting old wood as it rarely produces new growth. Once established, it tolerates dry summers without extra watering. Fertilize sparingly, as excess nutrients lead to soft, frost‑sensitive growth.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 5–6.58.0

Soil type

well-drained, lean, sandy, dry

LightFull sun

HardinessHardy

Feeding

Light feeder

Pruning

MonthsJun–Jul

SeasonSummer (after harvest)

Pruning typeMaintenance pruning

Companion planting

Good neighbors

cabbage family (Brassicaceae)

particularly well established

Leguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.

For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

carrot family (Apiaceae)

Peas and beans provide carrot and celery with nitrogen and grow as shallow-rooted plants without competition next to each other.

For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

gourd family (Cucurbitaceae)

Beans and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, which cucurbits, as heavy feeders, can make good use of.

For example CucumberPumpkinCourgettepickling cucumberButternutHokkaido and 14 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

Rather not

amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)

particularly well established

Allium species inhibit the nitrogen‑fixing rhizobia of legumes through their root exudates, which slows their growth.

For example GarlicOnionLeekChivesDaffodilRocambole and 12 more species in the catalogue

Source: basic crop‑rotation rule

Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.

Some of these explanations were machine-translated.

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