Cytisus

Broom Plants – Best Cytisus Scoparius In New Zealand!

Adding NZ-native shrubs such as Cytisus scoparius to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They provide a habitat and shelter for native fauna.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Scotch Broom plants, and the right one for your space. Many of these amazing Cytisus plants have been grown from eco-sourced seed and then multiplied in our nursery. They are thriving and ready for their new home. We stock only the highest quality plants, with each plant packed and transported with extreme care to ensure it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Broom plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cytisus Broom Plant Questions

1. Is Cytisus the same as broom?

Cytisus is the same as broom. Cytisus is the scientific name for the genus of plants that are commonly known as brooms. There are over 50 species of Cytisus and are found world-wide. They are known for their bright yellow flowers, which are borne in spring and summer.

Some of the most common broom species include:

• Cytisus scoparius (common broom)
• Cytisus multiflorus (Spanish broom)
• Cytisus albus (white broom)
• Cytisus purpureus (purple broom)
• Cytisus racemosus (Portugal broom)

They are relatively easy to grow and maintain, preferring a full sun or partial shade position. They are also tolerant of a variety of soil types and considered drought tolerant once established.

2. Is Cytisus a hardy plant?

Cytisus are hardy plants and tolerant of a variety of conditions, including poor soil, drought, and frost. Cytisus plants are known for their bright yellow flowers, which bloom in the spring and summer.

3. What is the pink broom plant in New Zealand?

The pink broom plant in New Zealand is Carmichaelia carmichaeliae, also known as Marlborough broom. It is a small tree or large shrub that is endemic to the Marlborough region. It is known for its bright pink flowers, which bloom in the spring and early summer.

4. Is Cytisus fragrant?

Some species of Cytisus are fragrant. The fragrance is often described as being sweet and vanilla-like. Some of the most fragrant Cytisus species include:

• Cytisus x hollandicus (Dutch broom)
• Cytisus scoparius 'Andreanus' (André's broom)
• Cytisus x praecox (Warminster broom)
• Cytisus x racemosus (Portugal broom)

5. Where should I plant broom?

Broom plants can be planted in a variety of locations, but they prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They are tolerant of poor soil conditions and drought, but they will benefit from regular watering, especially during the first year.

Here are some specific places where you can plant broom plants:

• Slopes: Broom plants are a good choice for planting on slopes because they have deep roots that help to stabilize the soil.
• Dry areas: Broom plants are drought-tolerant and can be planted in dry areas, such as rock gardens or xeriscapes.
• Coastal areas: Broom plants are tolerant of salt spray and can be planted in coastal areas.
• Hedging: Broom plants can be used to create a dense hedge that will provide privacy and wind protection.
• Wildlife gardens: Broom plants attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making them a good choice for wildlife gardens.

6. Which Cytisus is evergreen?

There are actually several species of Cytisus that are evergreen, although not all of them are entirely so. Here are a few examples:

Fully Evergreen:

• Cytisus scoparius (Common Broom): This iconic UK native with bright yellow flowers is fully evergreen in most climates.
• Cytisus proliferus (Tagasaste): This small tree from the Canary Islands thrives as an evergreen in warm climates.
• Cytisus monspessulanus (Montpellier Broom): This Mediterranean species with white flowers retains its leaves year-round in moderate climates.

Partially Evergreen (semi-evergreen):

• Cytisus battandieri: This Moroccan species with white and purple flowers can be evergreen in mild climates but may lose some leaves in colder regions.
• Cytisus praecox (White Spanish Broom): This early-flowering shrub with white flowers often keeps its leaves throughout the year but may drop them in harsh winters.
• Cytisus 'Boskoop Ruby': This cultivar of C. scoparius with ruby-red flowers is typically semi-evergreen, losing some leaves in colder stretches.

The best way to determine if a particular Cytisus variety is evergreen in your climate is to check with The Plant Company.

7. Can you take cuttings from Cytisus?

Yes, you can take cuttings from Cytisus to propagate new plants. It's a fairly straightforward process, but the timing and method can vary slightly depending on the specific Cytisus species. Here's a general guide:

1. The ideal time for taking cuttings depends on the type of Cytisus. For most species, mid-summer when the shoots are semi-ripe is best. Some, like Cytisus battandieri, are better propagated in early summer with softwood cuttings, while others like Scotch Broom can be propagated with hardwood cuttings in late winter or early spring.
2. Choose non-flowering shoots that are about 100-150 mm long and pencil-thick. Make sure they are healthy and free from pests or diseases.
3. Use sharp shears or a pruning knife to make a clean cut just below a node (the point where a leaf joins the stem). Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting.
4. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone (optional, but can improve success rate). Make a small hole in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix.
5. Insert the cutting into the potting mix and firm the soil around it. Water the pot well and place it in a bright, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight.
6. Keep the potting mix moist but not sodden. You can cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment, but make sure to air it out regularly to prevent mold.
7. It can take several weeks for the cuttings to root. Once you see new growth, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting them in their permanent location.