The Cytisus shrub, also known as Broom, offers a delightful burst of colour with its pea-like flowers. A low-maintenance, hardy choice for your garden.
Planting Calendar
Plant Cytisus in spring.
Prepare
Cytisus is a upright, almost leafless shrub growing to 1.5m, pea like flowers in a range of colours, including white, pink, apricot/cream adorn this plant from spring and into summer. Great for use in garden beds, pots, shrubberies' and coastal sites.
Position
Cytisus like a position that is in full sun with a free draining soil.
Soil
When planted into the ground Cytisus prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, ensure the plants is well watered then, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting time, as this helps to channel water down to the roots where it is needed the most.
Feeding
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from spring through to the end of autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Mulching
Mulching around plants can help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk or base of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Replenish mulch each spring.
Pruning
In spring before new growth emerges prune out a few of the main stems to about 12cm above the ground. This will encourage the plant to send out new shoots from its base, making a denser shrub.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions carefully. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Cytisus?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil, aiming to keep the soil moist during hot periods. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting time, as this helps to channel water down to the roots where it is needed the most.
Does Cytisus require pruning?
In spring before new growth emerges prune out a few of the main stems to about 12cm above the ground. This will encourage the plant to send out new shoots from its base, making a denser shrub.
When is the best time to plant Cytisus?
The best time to plant Cytisus is in early spring or autumn when the temperatures are cooler, and the soil is moist, giving the roots time to establish.
How do I plant Cytisus?
Plant Cytisus in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, place the plant in, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting.
What is a Cytisus?
Cytisus, commonly known as broom, is a hardy, deciduous shrub known for its vibrant, pea-like flowers and slender green stems.