This genus of about 50 species belongs to the pea family and consists mainly of evergreen shrubs, although species can vary in form from prostrate shrubs to small trees. Mot are native to Europe, with a few found in western Asia and northern Africa. All have typical peaflowers, which appear from late spring and into early summer. The broom-like twiggy growths-hence the well-known common name of the genus, broom-are sometime almost leafless. The fruit is a flattened legume containing small hard-coated seeds. Brooms are useful ornamentally for their hardiness and showy flowers.
CULTIVATION
Brooms need a free-draining soil, preferably slightly acidic but fairly low in fertility. An exposed sunny position gives the best display of flowers. Spent flowers and shoots should be removed after flowering, together with some of the older shoots, in order to open up the center of the plant and encourage new growth from the base. The typical arching habit of the plant should be maintained. Most species can be propagated from short-tip cuttings of the ripened current year's growth, taken in lat autumn or early winter.
Top Tip
Brooms tolerate most conditions, and make a suitable seaside plant. They prefer slightly acidic soil. If the soil has a high alkaline content, add iron sulfate.
CULTIVATION
Brooms need a free-draining soil, preferably slightly acidic but fairly low in fertility. An exposed sunny position gives the best display of flowers. Spent flowers and shoots should be removed after flowering, together with some of the older shoots, in order to open up the center of the plant and encourage new growth from the base. The typical arching habit of the plant should be maintained. Most species can be propagated from short-tip cuttings of the ripened current year's growth, taken in lat autumn or early winter.
Top Tip
Brooms tolerate most conditions, and make a suitable seaside plant. They prefer slightly acidic soil. If the soil has a high alkaline content, add iron sulfate.
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