Cytisus scoparius aka Broom

Taxonomy

Cytisus scoparius, also known as broom or Scotch broom, is a deciduous leguminous shrub that is native to western and central Europe. This hardy, flowering shrub grows thin branches that arch upward, reaching heights of up to 6 feet. In the spring, the shrub becomes covered with small, bright yellow flowers. While it makes an attractive choice for home gardeners who want a showy, low-maintenance shrub, Scotch broom is also known to spread rapidly and may become invasive. Broom is a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow, needing regular watering and long-lasting, direct light. It does best in well-draining soil and may benefit from a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season. Although broom belongs to the Cytisus genus and is native to Europe, it is important to note that it is extremely dangerous if consumed. In Britain and Ireland, broom is the standard name; however, this name is also used for other members of the Genisteae tribe, such as French broom or Spanish broom, and the term common broom is sometimes used for clarification. In other English-speaking countries, the most common name is Scotch broom (or Scots broom), while it is known as English broom in Australia.

Common names

Broom, Scotchbroom, European Broom

How to care for Broom

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Broom is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Broom should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Broom loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Broom requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Scotchbroom is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Broom to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Broom as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Broom’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south to Spain, east to Poland and Hungary.


More info:
Wikipedia