Cytisus × boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby'

RHS Plant Profile
broom 'Boskoop Ruby'

Synonyms

Cytisus × beanii 'Boskoop Ruby'
Cytisus 'Boskoop Ruby'

Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs

A compact, bushy deciduous shrub with a rounded habit and small, oval shaped green foliage. Masses of dark, crimson-red flowers appear on upright shoots in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Best grown in well-drained poor acid soils in full sun. Tolerant of lime but may become chlorotic on shallow chalk soils. Plant when small, brooms 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

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 3 but do not cut into old wood

Pests

May be susceptible to broom gall mites

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus