Cytisus scoparius ‘Moonlight’ (Scotch Broom)

Cytisus scoparius ‘Moonlight’ (Scotch Broom) is a deciduous shrub with upright to arching stems boasting a profusion of moonlight yellow to creamy white pea-like flowers in spring. Incredibly showy, they literally smother the plant. When in bloom, this Scotch Broom is one of the most eye-catching sight in the spring garden. The blossoms give way to fuzzy seed pods, 1-2 in. (2-5 cm) long, which will explode when mature forcefully expelling the seeds. The stems bear small, deep green trifoliate leaves. Fast-growing, adaptable, care-free, it is drought, dry and poor soils, salt tolerant. Use in mass plantings, mixed borders or as an informal screen or hedge.

• Grows up to 5-6 ft. tall and wide (150-180 cm).
• Easily grown in poor, neutral to slightly acid, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates drought, dry soils and salt. Excellent shrub for gardens that get little watering.
• Great for beds and borders, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, rock gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for gall mites.
• Minimal pruning required. Avoid cutting into old wood.
• Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
• Cytisus scoparius species is native to Central and Southern Europe. It was introduced into the United States as an ornamental in the early 1800s, and has been considered a pest weed since the 1920’s on the West Coast.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.