Cytisus
scoparius, commonly called common broom or Scotch broom, is a multi-stemmed,
deciduous/evergreen shrub that grows 4-8′ tall and features generally upright,
broom-like, slender green branching and bright yellow flowers. Green-ribbed
branches are sparsely clad (but are often leafless), with small, alfalfa-like,
trifoliate leaves (with 1/2″ long leaflets). Fragrant, sweet pea-shaped,
bright yellow flowers (to 1″ long) appear in late spring in an often showy
bloom. Flowers are mostly solitary or in pairs. Fruit is a flattened, pea-like,
green seed pod (to 2″ long) with hairy margins. Pods mature to brown/black
in fall and will snap open when ripe, explosively ejecting seeds several yards
away. This shrub fixes nitrogen on root nodules. Common broom is native to
central and southern Europe. Grow in moderately fertile, dry to medium,
well-drained soils in full sun. Good drought tolerance. Grows best in full sun.
Tolerates poor rocky soils. Broom makes an interesting addition to landscapes
and garden areas. It can also provide good erosion control on slopes or hilly
areas. Hardy in zones 5-8.
Growing
Instructions for the Scotch Broom
The seeds have
a hard seed coat that has to be treated, or scarified, in order for water to
enter the seeds so that they can sprout. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or
sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a nail file or
an emery board. 2. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. 3. Put some soil in a
pot. 4. Sow the seeds on the soil. 5. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
6. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 7. When the seedlings are a
few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
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Richard (verified owner) –
These seeds came right up and started producing squash. Can’t ask for more than that.
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The product is firmly packed.
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