common broom
Cytisus scoparius
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones5 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry or moderate or wet soil
Size4 to 8 feet tall4 to 8 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Common broom (Cytisus scoparius) is a shrub for pollinator gardens and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows fast and forms an arching mound that can reach 4 to 8 feet tall and wide. Fragrant yellow flowers open from early spring to early summer and bring in bees. It also tolerates drought and salt.
Pairs well with Rock rose, Feather reed grass, Ornamental onion, and Gaura.
Native range
Europe, Corse, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, and 1 more places. See all 5
Europe, Corse, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, and Sicilia.