Westminster Broom (Cytisus × praecox)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun
• Tolerates partial shade but flowers best in full sun
• Requires well-drained soil

Bloom Time:

• Early to mid-spring
• Pale yellow, fragrant, pea-like flowers smother the stems
• Flowers appear before or as leaves emerge

Size:

Height: 3 to 5 feet

Width: 4 to 6 feet

Attributes:

• Masses of pale yellow spring flowers
• Graceful, arching green stems provide winter interest
• Drought- and salt-tolerant once established
• Excellent for slopes, coastal gardens, and informal hedges
• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
• Can improve soil by fixing nitrogen

Care Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
• Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant afterward
• Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
• Remove one-third of old stems to ground level annually for rejuvenation
• Avoid cutting into old wood, as it may not resprout

Pest Watch:

• Generally pest- and disease-free
• Occasionally affected by gall mites