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Cytisus × kewensis
  • RHS AGM

Kew broom

A small, prostrate deciduous shrub with arching branches. Leaves small, trifoliate; flowers cream in late spring

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Cytisus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, ranging from prostrate to erect and almost tree-like, with small, simple or 3-parted leaves and pea-like flowers spring or summer

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Will thrive in poor acid soil, and although lime-tolerant may become chlorotic on shallow chalk soils. Plant when small, they resent transplanting

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn and hardwood cuttings in midwinter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Minimal pruning required but pruning group 1 or pruning group 3 if necessary. Do not cut into old wood

Pests

May be susceptible to broom gall mites

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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