Cytisus scoparius 'Firefly'
A deciduous shrub with upright to arching stems and small, deep green trifoliate leaves. Produces masses of golden yellow flowers with reddish-bronze wings, along the stems in late spring and early summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Yellow Red Bronze | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow Red Bronze | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers well-drained, poor, neutral to slightly acid soils in full sun. Tolerant of lime but may become chlorotic on shallow chalk soils. Plant out when small, as brooms resent transplanting
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn, or by hardwood cuttings in midwinter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1 or pruning group 3 if necessary. Avoid cutting into old wood
Pests
May be susceptible to broom gall mites
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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