Broom: description and cultivation in the garden. Broom plant Decorative broom

Not yet widespread enough in landscape gardening, the plant called “Broom” confidently and deservedly takes its position in this area.

Unpretentious perennial shrubs impress with a fluffy compact or, conversely, spreading cascading crown, densely covered fragrant flowers.

The abundant and long-lasting flowering of broom causes real admiration among others.

This decorative crop attracts not only its spectacular appearance, but also its ease of cultivation. How to plant broom correctly and provide proper care for the plant is described in detail in this article. And for those who still decide to grow an exotic crop on their plot, a varietal description of the plant and a detailed video tutorial are provided.

Broom, plant description

  • Broom is a member of the legume family, there are about 50 species. Most often, these are quite tall (up to 3 meters) deciduous shrubs, less often – small fragile trees.
  • Central Europe is considered the birthplace of broom. The habitat has also spread to Western Asia and North Africa.
  • Shrubs attract attention with their decorative appearance, forming a dense green or bluish-pubescent crown.
  • The leaves of broom are trifoliate, alternately arranged and have very small stipules. Some species have spines on the stem.
  • The main decoration of the plant are the flowers: white, yellow or pink. The inflorescences are a raceme or head, elongated, up to 2-3 cm in size, reminiscent of pea flowers. The moth flowers have a tubular, two-lipped calyx with a sail, wings and a boat. This unusual structure of the flower allows the stamens to shed pollen as soon as the bee lands on the flower. The flowering period occurs in the second half of spring until July. The broom blooms for the first time after 3 years of age.
  • The fruits of broom are cracking elongated beans; The seeds are small, flat, kidney-shaped.
  • A honey plant, broom, loves open and sunny areas.
  • An otherwise unpretentious crop, broom is found in ravines, forest edges and even on rocky slopes. This decorative adaptability allows it to be planted in similar, non-standard and unacceptable places for other plants.
  • The species diversity of the shrub is represented mainly by wild species. About 15 species of broom are grown in cultivation. A plant that is not widespread enough in the cultivated landscape deserves more attention from gardeners due to its original appearance and ease of care.
  • There are also poisonous broom varieties.

Types of broom

All types of broom in the middle climate zone are characterized by an early and long growing season, when the first leaves appear in May and are so attractive decorative look lasts until frost.

Let's consider the most popular types broom

Crown broom (Cytisus scoparius)

This is a deciduous tall shrub, densely planted with yellow flowers. Coronal broom can grow up to 3 meters in height. Green leaves fall early enough in preparation for the winter cold. Frost-resistant (withstands down to -20 ° C) and widely cultivated species.

This one is planted ornamental shrub both in large rock gardens and individually. In planting it goes well with evergreens coniferous plants.

It has many decorative varieties, distinguished by bright red and even two-colored inflorescences.

Kyus broom (Cytisus kewensis)

A dwarf spreading species, reaching a height of about 0.3-0.5 m, and a width of up to 2 m. Numerous shoots of Kyus broom spread almost along the surface of the earth. The flowers are large, creamy, and warm in color.

This species is an excellent option for decorating small rocky gardens or rock gardens.

This species has other names - edge-flowered or floating-flowered, associated with the structural features of the flower. Large, yellow color, the corollas are planted on long stalks, which creates the impression of inflorescences floating under the leaf or protruding forward.

Cold-resistant species, grows no more than 0.6 m in height.

Early broom (Cytisus praecox)

An unpretentious, medium-height (1-1.5 m) shrub, distinguished by a thick, dense crown formed by spreading and arched shoots. The plant acquires a light green color due to its narrow, elongated leaves.

Broom blooms in May, with abundant fiery yellow flowers with a sharp, specific aroma.

Frost-resistant species, widely used in landscaping and strengthening sandy slopes. Looks great in group border plantings.

The most famous variety is “Allgold”, which blooms very early, even before the leaves bloom. Also popular is the broom variety “Zealandia”, characterized by abundant and very beautiful soft pink flowering.

Crowded broom (Cytisus aggregatus)

A dwarf species, growing in height no more than half a meter. The diameter of the bush is almost twice its height.

Flowering occurs in the summer and continues until autumn. The inflorescences are deep yellow.

Light-loving, rapidly growing (blooms from the age of 3), the plant looks harmonious in garden and park plant compositions.

Creeping broom (Cytisus decumbens)

A popular low-growing (0.2 m) shrub with a spreading and slightly pubescent crown.

Abundant flowering has made this species the leader among all representatives of the broom family. Yellow shades, the flowers densely cover the entire bush, which gives the plant an unusually spectacular appearance.

Cold-hardy, planted both in groups and individually.

Russian broom (Cytisus ruthenicus)

Resistant to climatic conditions Russia, this type grows no more than 2 m in height. Branches, grayish in color, straight or arched, slightly pubescent. The inflorescence is mixed: racemose-spike-shaped with a small number of yellow flowers. The plant blooms in May for almost the whole month.

Broom grows on slopes or along roads and is poisonous.

Broom propagation

The shrub reproduces by seed and vegetative ways(cuttings, layering).

Seeds

This method is used for species of broom.

  • Ripe seeds, collected at the end of summer, are sown in containers and placed in a shaded place. The soil mixture for seeds should be light, for example, sand and peat. Seed the seeds shallowly, up to 5 mm, ensuring their subsequent constant moistening and ventilation.
  • Supporting temperature regime about 20°C, the seeds sprout vigorously in the spring.
  • Then the seedlings are picked and transplanted into separate pots with a special soil mixture (turf soil: humus: sand in a ratio of 2:1:1/2). In the spring, after replanting and successful rooting, it is necessary to pinch the central shoot, thus ensuring subsequent branching of the broom. In just 3-4 years, the bush will delight you with its first flowers.
  • If seeds are sown directly in open ground in the spring, they are first hardened, ensuring higher germination. Stratification is carried out for two months before sowing.

Vegetatively

The method is often used for hybrid broom species.

In the summer, after the broom has finished flowering, they begin preparing cuttings for propagating the shrub. To do this, not too young shoots with 3-4 leaf nodes are cut.

The cuttings are planted in separate containers and covered glass jar for rooting. The care conditions are the same as when germinating seeds. Rooted cuttings are planted in open ground in the spring.

The lower branches of broom creeping along the ground are rooted by bending them with special brackets and sprinkled with earth. Thus, providing the layering with constant sufficient moisture, subsequently, full-fledged seedlings are formed.

Rooted cuttings are separated from the mother bush and planted separately.

Planting broom

When planting broom, seedlings or seeds, choose an open, warm and windless place. Planting is best done in spring (April to May).

It is preferable to choose light, sandy soil with neutral or low acidity.

The only limitation is that you should not plant the plant near water bodies, due to the fact that the toxic substances contained in broom can have a detrimental effect on the living fauna of the pond.

Features of planting broom

  • The plant should be planted in a previously prepared soil mixture of soil, sand and humus in an approximate ratio of 1:2:1.
  • In case of scarcity and poor soil composition, it is better to add additional mineral fertilizers.
  • When planting seedlings, it is important to maintain a distance of at least 30 cm between plants.
  • You can buy seedlings for planting broom at any specialized point of sale. It is better to choose a grown plant with a closed root system.

Agricultural planting technology

  • Place the seedling in a prepared hole with soil mixture so that its root collar is at ground level.
  • Optimal condition for development young plant There will also be a pre-prepared drainage layer. Moreover, its thickness in the landing pit will depend on quality composition soil (from 10 to 20 cm). The heavier and denser the soil, the larger the drainage layer. Broken bricks or pebbles are used as drainage.
  • After filling and compacting the soil after planting, it is necessary to water the plant abundantly.
  • By mulching the soil around the seedling, it will be possible to better retain moisture, aerate the soil and prevent the growth of weeds.

Broom care

Broom does not require special care or constant attention; it is enough to follow the basic rules of agricultural technology and the plant will feel comfortable in the garden.

Watering

  • Broom is a fairly drought-resistant plant, so it is better to water it abundantly, but not often, to prevent stagnation of moisture.
  • And under conditions of systematic precipitation, additional moisture is not required at all.

Loosening

  • Loosening the soil around the bush and removing weeds is a necessary measure for caring for the plant.
  • Loosening should not be done too deep, up to 10 cm, so as not to damage root system broom
  • The optimal replacement for loosening can be mulching the soil with peat about 5 cm.

Top dressing

  • Fertilizer application is an important agrotechnical technique that improves plant growth and development.
  • Experts recommend carrying out several feedings during the period of active vegetative growth.
  • In the spring, nitrogen-containing fertilizers (urea) are applied, in the summer - potassium and phosphorus mixtures. The dosage of fertilizing is calculated according to the instructions.
  • If additional stimulation of broom growth is necessary, wood ash is also added.
  • The broom does not require any special shaping or pruning.
  • But, after flowering, in order to form even more young shoots with buds, its branches are pruned to strong lignified lateral branches.

Preparing for winter

  • To avoid freezing of young (up to 3 years old) shrubs, it is better to additionally cover them before the onset of cold weather.
  • If the bush is low, it is enough to cover it with spruce branches. In the case of taller broom, the branches are pressed to the ground with special brackets and covered with leaves or the same spruce branches.
  • Adult plants, as a rule, are quite winter-hardy and do not need such a procedure.

Growing in a container

  • Some heat-loving broom varieties are also grown as a houseplant. Then, in warm weather, the pots are exposed to fresh air, and in winter they are brought indoors.

Pest and disease control

  • Broom is a fairly disease-resistant crop.
  • In case of powdery mildew, use 5% copper sulfate, which is used to treat the plant when the buds have not yet opened. If signs of the disease continue to appear, spraying with foundationazole or colloidal sulfur helps in the summer. In case of broom disease with black spot, similar measures are carried out.
  • When attacked by pests, use appropriate insecticides. Thus, the pest moth that appears on the leaves is easily exterminated with a 0.2% chlorophos solution. And the moth is “afraid” of bacterial and organophosphate insecticides.

Application of broom

  • The most common use of broom bushes is the design of park and garden area, various landscapes. The attractive decorative appearance of the plant could not help but interest landscape designers. Both single and group plantings of broom are practiced. For a long time flowering shrub with an unusually beautiful crown, looks impressive against the background of conifers or cereal plants. Contrast color range advantageously emphasizes the diversity of planted ornamental crops.
  • In the pharmaceutical industry, poisonous alkaloids contained in broom are used.
  • Blooming in early spring, broom varieties are excellent for cutting.
  • Broom is an excellent honey plant.
  • Broom is used in chemical industry when producing yellow dye and dyeing natural wool.
  • Durable wood from bush branches is used to make small crafts.
  • In the cosmetics industry, perfumes made from fragrant varieties of broom are used.

Thus, with so many advantages and favorable qualities, broom can easily be grown on your own plot. Love for the species diversity of the plant world will serve as an additional incentive for growing broom.

And the spectacular decorative appearance of the plant and ease of care will help you quickly realize your plans.

: “Broom. Features of broom. Broom care"

Source: http://dachnaya-zhizn.ru/rakitnik-posadka-i-ukhod

Broom planting and care in open ground fertilizer propagation

There are more than 50 species of broom plants, mainly distributed throughout Europe, Western Siberia, and Africa. For the most part, they are unpretentious shrubs 50-300 cm tall, used in building landscaping, although not very widely.

Broom, the types and varieties of which can be effectively used in decorating fences, borders and not only in the central zone of the Russian Federation, is characterized by an early spring awakening - the stems begin to grow, starting in May, and do not stop until the frost itself. This dignity allows you to maintain lush greenery in the garden throughout the summer, then, however, the plant “pays” with not fully ripened stems, which go to winter along with the foliage and freeze.

Broom types and varieties

Russian broom- a densely growing shrub found in the forest-steppes and steppes of Russia, in western Siberia and the Caucasus.

Loves light, short in stature (no more than 150 cm in height) with pubescent stems and straight or twisting branches of a grayish color. Hairs are present both on the bottom of the leaves and on the top, they are a pure gray-green color.

The large yellow flowers continue to bloom for 25 days.

Fruit ripening occurs in September. The fruits are legumes; inside they contain oval seeds of a yellowish or greenish color. The species has good winter hardiness and drought resistance, is unpretentious in care and is an excellent honey plant. It is recommended for use in single and group plantings, as well as for strengthening and decorating slopes.

creeping broom from Southern Europe - very low (up to 20 cm in height), but in diameter it can extend up to 80 cm. Its greenish stems and dark green foliage below are also pubescent (the same applies to the fruits).

The color of the flowers ranges from bright to dark yellow. They are 1.5 cm long and bloom so luxuriantly that other dwarf brooms simply cannot compare with them. It blooms in May and June, is relatively resistant to frost (it may freeze slightly during severe winters), and is used in group plantings and on rocky hills.

broom

From the center and south of Europe it is pubescent only at a young age. The stems stretch 300 cm in height, and the 2-centimeter flowers with pubescent calyx and peduncle are painted in a light yellow tone.

The early fall of leaves of this species is due to the preparation of the stems for winter, and, as a result, it can withstand cold temperatures down to -20℃.

Coronal broom is widely bred in Europe (in mild climates).

Its many decorative forms include varieties:

  • broom boskop ruby- with scarlet flowers and yellow edging,
  • broom burkwoodie- with red-coral coloring of flowers and golden edging,
  • broom red wings- with shades of flowers from garnet-red to crimson and a yellow spot at the base and others.

Broom Lena blooms bright unusual flowers. The height of the dense multi-stemmed bushes is 130 cm and the width is 150 cm. The green branches of young specimens are pubescent, just like the calyx and peduncle of the flowers.

The foliage is small, oval or oblong-lanceolate, emerald green. The uniqueness of the slightly fragrant flowers is manifested in their similarity to those of peas, while the flowering is rich and begins in the last days of spring.

Early broom

With a height of 100 to 150 cm, it forms a lush crown with light green foliage. It blooms very richly with bright yellow flowers with a pungent aroma. The species, as well as its varieties, is characterized by frost resistance.

One of them - broom boskop ruby ​​- is incredibly decorative with its numerous flowers, red and outside and pink-purple in the central part, while being able to reach a height of 2 meters.

Blooms in mid-spring for 1 month.

Another variety - Albus broom- features a spherical compact shape. Albus grows 120 cm in height and width. Its flowers are white-yellow, bloom in May and continue to bloom until mid-summer.

Black broom- a native of the European zone of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Western Europe. This species owes its name to its leaves that turn black during drying. The natural habitat of the species is pine wooded areas of the forest-steppe belt.

The height of the bush is no more than 1 meter, the stems are pubescent. The flowering of spike-shaped inflorescences consisting of golden-yellow flowers begins in late June and ends in late September. Endowed with exceptional beauty and increased seed viability.

Broom planting and care in the Moscow region

To plant broom effectively, you need to choose an open and warm area for it. One of important aspects wind protection is also provided here. It is recommended to plant in the ground in April-May at a mutual distance between seedlings of approximately 30 cm.

It is worth noting the fact that broom contains many toxic compounds that can harm the environment when the plant is located near water bodies.

Watering should be plentiful, but not frequent, due to the fact that the plant is drought-resistant. It is necessary to control the level of soil moisture, avoiding stagnation of water, completely excluding watering when there is frequent precipitation.

Cotoneaster planting and care open ground, feeding, reproduction and much more you can find in this article.

Soil for broom

The optimal soil for broom is a mixture consisting of sand, earth and humus.

It is important to periodically loosen the soil in the bush area and weed out the weeds, but the first procedure should be performed with caution - not going too deep (10 cm is enough) so as not to harm the roots. Moreover, instead of loosening, you can use mulching with peat to a depth of no more than 5 cm.

Plants are replanted only when necessary. To do this, prepare a soil mixture consisting of turf soil, humus and sand.

Fertilizer for broom

Fertilizing should be done in spring and summer. In the first case, the fertilizers are urea or any other fertilizer containing nitrogen, and in the second, substances based on phosphorus and potassium.

You can stimulate plant growth by using wood ash. Feed once every 14 days.

Pruning broom

Broom does not need crown-forming pruning. It is desirable only in the summer, after flowering, so that a larger number of young stems with inflorescences are formed.

After the broom has faded, prune some of the shoots to strong lateral branches.

Broom in winter

Although most broom species are resistant to cold, it is advisable to follow certain care rules that will help the plant survive the winter:

  • It is better to cover young animals for winter;
  • Each low-growing variety requires shelter for the winter with spruce branches;
  • Tall shrubs should be pressed to the surface of the ground using special staples and covered with spruce branches on top or covered with dry leaves;
  • For adult specimens, winter shelter is not required.

Propagation of broom by seeds

Broom propagation by seed method is carried out according to the following scheme:

  • The container is filled with light soil - sand and peat are suitable.
  • At the end of summer, the seeds are deepened into the ground by 5 mm (no more), covered with film and moved to a place where there is no sun and the ambient temperature is approximately 20℃.
  • The crops are systematically ventilated and the soil is moistened.

The first shoots should be expected by spring. After they appear, it is necessary to plant them in separate pots filled with a special soil mixture, including turf soil, sand and humus in proportions of 2:1:1.

After the seedlings are planted in open ground and rooting has taken place, the time comes for pinching the main stem, which will subsequently ensure more active branching.

Broom propagation by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings begins with cutting off the mature stem at the end of the flowering period. The shoot must contain at least 3 leaves. The cuttings are planted in containers and covered with glass, then systematically ventilated and moistened.

The soil mixture must be selected similarly to that used in the seed propagation method described above. After rooting, cuttings are planted in open ground in the spring.

Diseases and pests

Of the diseases and pests that can cause serious damage to broom, it is worth highlighting broom moth. They begin to fight it immediately when detected on the foliage, using chlorophos (0.2%).

Against broom moth Treatment with organophosphorus or bacterial insecticides (you can mix them) will help.

powdery mildew And black spot eliminated by treating dormant buds with 5% copper sulfate and foundationazole in the summer.

Source: https://chvetochki.ru/rakitnik/

Broom planting and care in the Moscow region Types and varieties of broom with photos and descriptions Reproduction

Broom (Citius, Zharnovets paniculata) is a spreading shrub or low tree. The height of the plant without pruning ranges from half a meter to three.

The stems are smooth, covered with bright green bark, and become woody over time. The bark may have short fluff or silvery streaks.

Young shoots of broom are flexible, bending to the ground under the weight of leaves and flowers.

The broom genus is represented by evergreen and deciduous species. The leaves are short-petioled, attached alternately, and the color is bright green. The leaf blade consists of three oval-shaped lobes; the apical leaves can be joined together. The length of miniature leaves is 3-4 cm.

When does broom bloom?

Usually the flowering period begins in May-June, but there are earlier specimens in which the flowers appear even before the leaves. Flowering lasts a month. The buds have a characteristic spongy shape and exude a pleasant aroma.

The calyx can be bell-shaped or tubular, together with the petals it is 2-3 cm long. A small column with an ovary and stamens is hidden under the petals. The flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences, which are located in the axils of the leaves along the entire length of the shoot.

The color of the buds can be cream, white, pink, sunny yellow.

Broom is a representative of the Legume family. At the end of flowering, pods with flattened, small beans are formed. The ripe pod opens on its own and the seeds scatter on the surface of the soil.

Central Europe is considered the birthplace of broom. Found in Western Asia and northern Africa.

Fragrant shrubs can be grown in gardens and indoors.

Virulence

Be careful when caring for it, as the plant contains harmful substances (alkaloids), which in large doses can lead to breathing difficulties. Wear gloves, wash your hands thoroughly, access of children and animals to the plant must be limited.

Growing broom from seeds

Broom seeds different types photo

The plant can be propagated by seed and vegetative methods (cuttings, rooting of layering).

Propagation by seeds is very effective. Self-seeding can often be found around the bush. Collect ripe pods in the fall, remove the seeds and store until spring.

Before planting, keep it in warm water for 2 days, then sow it in moist peat-sandy soil.

The depth of planting seeds in the soil should be 0.5-1 cm, maintain a distance of 4-6 cm between crops. Cover the container with the crops with film or glass. Sprout in diffused light and an air temperature of 18-21° C. Spray and ventilate regularly.

Broom from seeds photo shoots

When 2-3 leaves appear on the seedlings, it is necessary to pick them out and plant them in pots with a diameter of 7-9 cm. Soil composition: 2 parts turf, 1 part humus soil with the addition of 0.5 parts sand.

To improve bushiness, it is necessary to periodically pinch young plants. With the onset of spring, transplant into a container with a diameter of 11-15 cm. Transplant into open ground should be in the 3rd year of life. Always use the earthball method as the roots of the plant are very fragile.

Propagation of broom by cuttings

After flowering is assured, vegetative propagation can be carried out.

For cuttings, choose semi-lignified branches. Each cutting should contain 2-3 leaves; to reduce moisture evaporation, the leaf blades should be cut to 1/3 of the length. Root in sandy-peaty soil.

Cover the seedlings with a transparent cap (glass jar, cut plastic bottle). Don't forget to ventilate. It is necessary to ensure air temperature within 18-21° C and diffuse lighting. Roots form in 1-1.5 months - you can remove the cover.

Transplant into open ground in the spring.

Reproduction by layering

For propagation by layering, use mature bushes. The lower branch should be bent to the surface of the ground and sprinkled with a small amount of soil. The cuttings will take root and become stronger by spring - transplant to a new location.

Features of planting and transplanting broom

Plant in open ground in the spring (April-May). Choose a place with diffused lighting, where the sun's rays reach only in the morning and evening hours, and shading occurs at noon. The area must be protected from drafts.

Caution: do not plant near water bodies, as toxic substances from the plant can get there and negatively affect the fauna.

Dig up the soil. The soil must be fertile, loose, with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction. For example, a mixture of turf soil, compost, peat and river sand. It is recommended to immediately apply complex mineral fertilizers.

Dig holes, place the seedlings so that the root collar remains above the surface, maintain a distance of 30-50 cm between plantings. Fill the planting hole with soil, compact it a little, and water generously.

To maintain moisture for a longer period of time, increase soil permeability and prevent weed growth, mulch the soil around the seedling.

Broom roots are sensitive: during transplantation they should not be damaged or overdried. outdoors, otherwise the plant will die. After the plant reaches three years of age, it is recommended not to replant at all.

Caring for broom in the garden and indoors

Broom golden sunlight golden sunlight photo

We talked about choosing a place in the garden earlier. When growing indoors, adhere to the same characteristics: bright but diffuse lighting, protection from drafts. Place the container with the plant on the east or west side of the house.

Grow heat-loving varieties and species only in containers; you can put them in the garden in the summer. The air temperature for indoor plants in spring and autumn is required at 18 to 25 °C. All specimens like cool wintering with air temperatures ranging from 10-15° C.

The plant is drought-resistant and tolerates temporary soil flooding. The principle of watering is the same for everyone: in the warm season, water abundantly after the top layer of soil has dried. In autumn and winter in room conditions Water occasionally.

During the warm season, spray the plant regularly. Occasionally place on a tray with damp expanded clay, moss, and pebbles. With the onset of cold weather, spray less often.

Indoor specimens in spring and summer should be fed with complex mineral fertilizers twice a month. Garden crops will respond gratefully to organic matter: apply manure or grass humus 2-3 times per season.

After flowering ends, shoots should be cut back to the woody side branches to stimulate the growth of young shoots.

Wintering broom in open ground

Do brooms need shelter for the winter? For young growth (first year) and rooting cuttings, shelter for the winter is required. Low growing varieties cover with spruce branches. Bend tall shrubs to the surface of the ground and secure with special brackets, mulch with natural materials (dry leaves, grass, branches). Adult specimens do not need to be covered.

Types and varieties of broom with photos and names

The broom genus includes approximately 50 species. Let's look at the most popular ones.

Russian broom Cytisus ruthenicus

Russian broom Cytisus ruthenicus photo in bloom

A bush with erect shoots reaching a height of 1.5 m. The leaves are small, tripartitely divided into lanceton or oval-shaped lobes, and have a gray-green color. Leaves with thorns. Inflorescences consisting of 3-5 yellow flowers appear in the axils of the leaves.

Golden rain broom Laburnum anagyroides

Broom golden shower photo

A shrub or low tree with a small number of branches, growing up to 20 years. Blooms from early May to June. Toxic to humans, causes malfunction nervous system. Propagated by seeds. This article will tell you more about this species.

Corona broom Cytisus scoparius

Corona broom Cytisus scoparius photo

A shrub with thin, flexible shoots, the height is 3 m. The bark on the shoots is reddish with slight pubescence. The color of the flowers is light yellow. The species is deciduous, frost-resistant (withstands frosts down to -20° C).

Varieties:

  • Burkwoodi broom - flowers of a scarlet hue have a border in the form of a narrow plane of yellow color.
  • Broom Andreanus Splendens – yellow-red streaks on the petals.
  • broom Lena - scarlet petals are decorated with longitudinal stripes of a dark golden hue.

Creeping broom Cytisus decumbens

Creeping broom Cytisus decumbens photo

Shoots about 20 cm long spread along the surface of the ground. The stems are ribbed, green, and pubescent. The oval or lanceolate leaves are dark green in color, Bottom part The leaf blade is covered with dense villi. In the axils of the leaves there are paniculate inflorescences consisting of small yellow flowers.

Early broom Cytisus praecox

Early broom Cytisus praecox photo in bloom

The spreading bush reaches a height of 1-1.5 m. The shoots are arched, densely covered with leaves and flowers of a bright yellow color.

Boskop Ruby - differs in the color of the petals: the inner part is painted in a pink-purple hue, the outer part is ruby.

Allgold – bright yellow flowers appear before the leaves.

Cytisus kewensis

Cytisus kewensis photo

A compact bush about 30 cm high. The shoots are creeping, the leaves are trifoliate. The flowers are large and milky white with a yellowish tint.

Protuberant broom Cytisus emeriflorus

Protuberant broom Cytisus emeriflorus photo

Shrub about 60 cm high. Leaves are small, trifoliate. Large flowers of bright yellow color hang on long stalks.

Common broom Cytisus aggregatus

The height of the bush is 30-50 cm, the diameter of the bush reaches 80 cm. The color of the flowers is yellow.

Cytisus elongatus

The bush reaches a height of 1.5 m. The leaves are trifoliate and pubescent. The flowers are colored yellow-golden.

Sessile broom Cytisus sessilifolius

Sessile broom Cytisus sessilifolius photo

The height of the bush is 1.3-1.5 meters. The leaves are trifoliate with pointed tips. Flowers of bright yellow color are collected in loose racemes.

Black broom Cytisus nigricans

Black broom Cytisus nigricans photo

When dried, the leaves turn black. IN natural environment lives in forest-steppes, loves soil moisture above average. The bush grows up to 1 m. The shoots are covered with short pile. Yellow-golden flowers are collected in racemes of 15-30 pieces.

Zinger's broom Cytisus zingerii

Shoots about 1 m high have golden pubescence and are densely leafy. Sheet plates trifoliate, light green. During the flowering period, 1-2 yellow flowers appear from the leaf axils.

Red broom variety Boskoop Ruby Cytisus Boskoop Ruby

Broom boskop ruby ​​photo growing and care

Up to two meters high, with beautiful ruby-red flowers. Needs sanitary and formative pruning and timely watering. Frost-resistant variety, with early flowering, starting from the first ten days of May.

Albus broom Cytisus praecox Albus

Albus broom photo planting and care

The variety is up to 1.2 m high. Prefers open, well-lit places and light sandy soils. Blooms in May-June. Frost-resistant variety that does not require shelter for the winter.

Broom Andreanus Cytisus Andreanus

Growing broom andreanus photo and description

Reaches a height of 1.5 m, blooms in May-June with dense inflorescences of yellow-scarlet flowers. excellent honey plant, grows on any soil, including rocky and nutrient-poor soils. Prefers open, illuminated areas.

Decorative properties and beneficial properties of broom

Broom can be used to decorate rooms and gardens. On the site they are beautiful in solo and group plantings. Bushes planted in a row will create hedge. Large boulders look natural near the broom thickets. Good neighbors There will be coniferous trees, lilies of the valley, lavender, antennaria.

Zharnovets paniculata is an excellent honey plant and has medicinal properties. Preparation of infusion: 1 tsp. crushed broom paniculata pour 0.5 liters of cold boiled water and leave in a warm place for 1 hour. Then strain. Take 1 tsp after meals.

twice a day. Indications: tuberculosis, jaundice, liver disease, heart and headache, pain in the sacral region, coughing attacks. Before treatment, be sure to consult your doctor.

Do not take if you have an individual intolerance, during menstruation or pregnancy.

In Celtic culture, the plant is associated with well-being on all levels: spiritual, physical. At the end of the Celtic year there is a month of broom, at this time it is necessary to carry out general cleaning home, also get rid of “moral trash” - bad habits, bad thoughts.

Broom - what kind of shrub is this?

Under this name, about 60 species of plants (shrubs and small trees) are combined into one genus. All of them, as a rule, grow in Europe, Africa, and some in Western Siberia. Basically, representatives of the broom genus are small in height (0.5-3 m), most often deciduous shrubs. Broom, planting and caring for which is not special labor, is very often used in landscape design and for landscaping streets, parks, and squares. The fragrant flowers that cover it in the spring add special charm and interest to the plant. Most often they are yellow, but they can also be white, purple or a combination. As a representative, broom has beautiful butterfly flowers collected in panicle inflorescences.

Types of broom

The exact number of broom species has not been established, but different classifications there are from 30 to 70 of them. Let's dwell on the most famous and those that can grow in our climate. After all, broom is a shrub, planting and caring for which is quite simple, but you need to know some of the nuances of each species.

  1. Russian broom. It grows mainly in the European part of the country, Western Siberia and the North Caucasus. It can form entire thickets in steppes and forest-steppes, and pine forests. It is a deciduous shrub, growing up to 1.5-2 meters in height. Forms a spherical bush with straight branches and dense green leaves. It blooms in May-July for a month and sometimes again in the fall.
  2. Coronal broom (twig-shaped). Tall shrub (up to 2 m) with small leaves and large flowers(you can see it in the sixth photo). This is a fairly heat-loving broom. Planting and care in the middle zone are similar to other types, except that shelter for the winter may be required. Many hybrids of this species have been bred, differing in flower color. It takes root best on sandy light soils or limestone.
  3. Broom oblong. A small (up to 1.5 m) spreading shrub, flowering begins in early spring. Used in landscape gardening.
  4. Emeritus broom. (70 cm) with slightly drooping shoots. Due to its compactness, it can be used for blooming in May-June with bright yellow moth flowers.
  5. Broom is crowded, blackening and sessile-leaved. Low-growing shrubs, reaching about half a meter in height. They do not bloom as profusely as previous varieties.
  6. Purple broom (its photo is presented below). Low (up to 1 m), but very spreading, creeping shrub. As you can see, they have a purple-pink color and are located along the entire length of the branches. Flowering is abundant and long lasting. This is a drought- and cold-resistant plant.
  7. Kyus broom. A low-growing (up to 50 cm in height) deciduous shrub, grown like dwarf. The leaves are decorative, light green or with a gray tint. Cream-colored flowers appear in early May. This is a broom resistant to gas pollution and city air. Planting and care in the Moscow region will not require special care, just like in the middle zone, since it is frost-resistant and tolerant of heat and drought.
  8. Creeping broom. The smallest representative of the genus, its height barely reaches 20-30 cm. It forms real green carpets in gardens, each bush spreading up to one meter in diameter.

Withdrawn a large number of varieties of broom. This allows it to be used, firstly, for different purposes (green carpet, group and single plantings), and secondly, in different climatic conditions.

Broom: planting and care in winter at home

In a room or winter garden You can also grow this plant. For this, one species is used - broom racemose. whose homeland Canary Islands and Madeira. Sometimes you may come across the name "golden shower", thanks to the bright yellow fragrant flowers that appear on the plant from February to May. In nature it grows up to one meter in height, in indoor conditions a little less (60-70 cm).

Planting depends on the propagation method (seeds, cuttings, layering). For hybrid varieties Only the vegetative method is suitable. It is best to plant seeds in spring. They must first be soaked in water for 2-3 days until they swell. Use a soil mixture of peat and perlite. Planting depth is 1-1.5 cm. Then the container must be covered with polyethylene and put in a warm but bright place. To make the seeds germinate better and faster, you can lightly rub them with sandpaper. Propagation by cuttings is carried out in the summer. Young, not completely lignified shoots (about 10 cm) are cut off. They take root quite well and quickly - 1.5-2 months.

When choosing a raceme broom for your home, planting and caring for it in winter is quite simple, you should remember several nuances. The plant prefers cool indoor air temperatures all year round: in winter +10-18 °C, and during flowering no more than +16 °C. Also during this period he needs good lighting, but without direct sunlight. sun rays. In summer, the plant can be taken out onto the balcony or terrace.

Broom indoors: soil and watering

You can use store-bought soil, for example, intended for palm trees or ficus trees. If you want to prepare the soil yourself, remember that it should be light but fertile. It is recommended to use the following mixture: turf soil - humus - sand or perlite in a ratio of 2:1:1. Don't forget about good drainage, it is best to pour a layer of expanded clay.

If you want to get a fragrant flowering bush right at home in the spring, then choose racemose broom. Planting and care (a photo of the plant is presented in our article), which is extremely simple.

Young plants are transplanted annually into a pot slightly larger (2-3 cm) than the previous one. This should be done after the broom has finished flowering.

Watering broom grown indoors depends on the time of year and air temperature. In summer it is more intense, 2-3 times a week, and in winter it is reduced to once. During the period when the plant begins to bud and bloom, it is necessary to apply liquid mineral fertilizer containing potassium once a month.

Broom: planting and care

Almost all types of shrubs are very light-loving and drought-resistant. They can grow even in the poorest soils. However, it is worth knowing two nuances. Broom does not tolerate waterlogging and stagnant water, as well as heavy loamy soils. And secondly, you should not replant the shrub in its adult state, it reacts very poorly to this.

If you are going to plant broom on your site, then choose open places for it, for example, gentle slopes, without close groundwater.

The soil should be loose and breathable. If you are not sure of its suitability for broom, then prepare the soil for the young plant yourself. First you need to dig a hole for the bush. Separately mix turf soil, humus and coarse river sand in a ratio of 1:2:5. The depth, length and width of the hole should be approximately 60 cm; crushed stone or broken brick can be placed at the bottom, and then covered with prepared soil.

Basic broom care is: proper watering, regular feeding fertilizers and decorative pruning.

Watering broom

One of the most drought-resistant shrubs in our climate is, of course, broom. Planting and caring for it is extremely simple. The only thing that can happen is the freezing of shoots in the most heat-loving species in severe winter conditions. Long-term resistance high temperatures without precipitation is due to the structure of the root system. The broom is powerful and deep, but without a clearly defined main stem. This property, by the way, is used to prevent soil shedding. Dig mature plant without damaging the roots it is unrealistic, therefore the survival rate is very low. Therefore, it is better to buy broom in containers or propagate by cuttings. Thus, watering the plant is not necessary, but is still advisable in the driest years.

Feeding broom with fertilizers

This procedure is recommended by all gardening experts. Fertilizing strengthens the plant and promotes abundant and long-lasting flowering. Remember that broom does not like fresh organic matter (manure). It is best to make it or ordinary grass infusion, let it ferment for 2-3 weeks and only then water the bushes at the root (consumption - 1 bucket per adult plant). The frequency should be 2-3 times during the spring-summer season.

Bulk and granular fertilizers are best applied to the soil in circles around the trunk. Of the most accessible, we can recommend wood ash, and of mineral fertilizers in granules - potassium chloride and superphosphate (20-30 g per 1 square meter).

Pruning broom

Trimming shrubs is necessary, but it needs to be done correctly, depending on what goals you are pursuing. If it is necessary to enhance flowering and renew the plant, then pruning is carried out until mid-June. Such a haircut will in no way interfere with the formation of flower buds. Old branches should not be touched; cut new shoots to mid-length.

If your goal is to give the bush some silhouette or shape, this is especially true for single plants, then you can trim the bush in summer or autumn. It will not bloom next year, but the foliage will become more decorative.

Using broom in landscape design

Fashion trends exist not only in the world of clothing, but also in landscape design. Broom, which is surprisingly simple to plant and care for, has been undeservedly forgotten. Its popularity has returned quite recently, thanks to the development of new varieties. Broom is used in group plantings, so it looks as impressive as possible. This approach is implemented in large areas (parks, streets, courtyards, highway junctions, etc.). In a small area, you can use broom in combination with other woody plants, the most successful combination is with conifers (mountain pine, juniper, dwarf cedar), as well as with gorse, lavender, lilies of the valley, and heather. The shrub lends itself well to decorative pruning, which allows you to create various figures and hedges.

Not yet widespread enough in landscape gardening, the plant called “Broom” confidently and deservedly takes its position in this area. Unpretentious perennial shrubs impress with their fluffy compact or, conversely, spreading cascading crown, densely covered with fragrant flowers. The abundant and long-lasting flowering of broom causes real admiration among others.

This decorative crop attracts not only its spectacular appearance, but also its ease of cultivation. How to plant broom correctly and provide proper care for the plant is described in detail in this article. And for those who still decide to grow an exotic crop on their plot, a varietal description of the plant and a detailed video tutorial are provided.

Broom, plant description

  • Broom is a member of the legume family, there are about 50 species. Most often, these are quite tall (up to 3 meters) deciduous shrubs, less often – small fragile trees.

  • Central Europe is considered the birthplace of broom. The habitat has also spread to Western Asia and North Africa.
  • Shrubs attract attention with their decorative appearance, forming a dense green or bluish-pubescent crown.
  • The leaves of broom are trifoliate, alternately arranged and have very small stipules. Some species have spines on the stem.
  • The main decoration of the plant are the flowers: white, yellow or pink. The inflorescences are a raceme or head, elongated, up to 2-3 cm in size, reminiscent of pea flowers. The moth flowers have a tubular, two-lipped calyx with a sail, wings and a boat. This unusual structure of the flower allows the stamens to shed pollen as soon as the bee lands on the flower. The flowering period occurs in the second half of spring until July. The broom blooms for the first time after 3 years of age.


  • The fruits of broom are cracking elongated beans; The seeds are small, flat, kidney-shaped.

  • A honey plant, broom, loves open and sunny areas.
  • An otherwise unpretentious crop, broom is found in ravines, forest edges and even on rocky slopes. This decorative adaptability allows it to be planted in similar, non-standard and unacceptable places for other plants.
  • The species diversity of the shrub is represented mainly by wild species. About 15 species of broom are grown in cultivation. This plant, which is not widespread enough in the cultivated landscape, deserves more attention from gardeners due to its original appearance and ease of care.
  • There are also poisonous broom varieties.

Types of broom

All types of broom in the middle climatic zone are characterized by an early and long vegetative period, when the first leaves appear in May and this attractive and decorative appearance persists until frost.

Let's look at the most popular types of broom.

Crown broom (Cytisus scoparius)

This is a deciduous tall shrub, densely planted with yellow flowers. Coronal broom can grow up to 3 meters in height. Green leaves fall early enough in preparation for the winter cold. Frost-resistant (withstands down to -20 ° C) and widely cultivated species.

This ornamental shrub is planted both in large rock gardens and individually. When planted, it goes well with evergreen conifers.

It has many decorative varieties, distinguished by bright red and even two-colored inflorescences.


Kyus broom (Cytisus kewensis)

A dwarf spreading species, reaching a height of about 0.3-0.5 m, and a width of up to 2 m. Numerous shoots of Kyus broom spread almost along the surface of the earth. The flowers are large, creamy, and warm in color.

This species is an excellent option for decorating small rocky gardens or rock gardens.

Protuberant broom (Cytisus emeriflorus)

This species also has other names - edge-flowered or floating-flowered, associated with the structural features of the flower. Large, yellow corollas are planted on long stalks, which creates the impression of inflorescences floating under the leaf or protruding forward.

Cold-resistant species, grows no more than 0.6 m in height.

Early broom (Cytisus praecox)

An unpretentious, medium-height (1-1.5 m) shrub, distinguished by a thick, dense crown formed by spreading and arched shoots. The plant acquires a light green color due to its narrow, elongated leaves.

Broom blooms in May, with abundant fiery yellow flowers with a sharp, specific aroma.

Frost-resistant species, widely used in landscaping and strengthening sandy slopes. Looks great in group border plantings.

The most famous variety is “Allgold”, which blooms very early, even before the leaves bloom. Also popular is the broom variety “Zealandia”, characterized by abundant and very beautiful soft pink flowering.

Crowded broom (Cytisus aggregatus)

A dwarf species, growing in height no more than half a meter. The diameter of the bush is almost twice its height.

Flowering occurs in the summer and continues until autumn. The inflorescences are deep yellow.

Light-loving, rapidly growing (blooms from the age of 3), the plant looks harmonious in garden and park plant compositions.

Creeping broom (Cytisus decumbens)

A popular low-growing (0.2 m) shrub with a spreading and slightly pubescent crown.

Abundant flowering has made this species the leader among all representatives of the broom family. Yellow shades, the flowers densely cover the entire bush, which gives the plant an unusually spectacular appearance.

Cold-hardy, planted both in groups and individually.

Russian broom (Cytisus ruthenicus)

Resistant to the climatic conditions of Russia, this species grows no more than 2 m in height. Branches, grayish in color, straight or arched, slightly pubescent. The inflorescence is mixed: racemose-spike-shaped with a small number of yellow flowers. The plant blooms in May for almost the whole month.

Broom grows on slopes or along roads and is poisonous.


Broom propagation

The shrub propagates by seed and vegetative methods (cuttings, layering).

Seeds

This method is used for species of broom.

  • Ripe seeds, collected at the end of summer, are sown in containers and placed in a shaded place. The soil mixture for seeds should be light, for example, sand and peat. Seed the seeds shallowly, up to 5 mm, ensuring their subsequent constant moistening and ventilation.
  • By maintaining a temperature of about 20°C, the seeds sprout vigorously in the spring.
  • Then the seedlings are picked and transplanted into separate pots with a special soil mixture (turf soil: humus: sand in a ratio of 2:1:1/2). In the spring, after replanting and successful rooting, it is necessary to pinch the central shoot, thus ensuring subsequent branching of the broom. In just 3-4 years, the bush will delight you with its first flowers.
  • If seeds are sown directly in open ground in the spring, they are first hardened, ensuring higher germination. Stratification is carried out for two months before sowing.

Vegetatively

The method is often used for hybrid broom species.

  • Cuttings.

In the summer, after the broom has finished flowering, they begin preparing cuttings for propagating the shrub. To do this, not too young shoots with 3-4 leaf nodes are cut.

The cuttings are planted in separate containers and covered with a glass jar for rooting. The care conditions are the same as when germinating seeds. Rooted cuttings are planted in open ground in the spring.

  • By layering.

The lower branches of broom creeping along the ground are rooted by bending them with special brackets and sprinkled with earth. Thus, providing the layering with constant sufficient moisture, subsequently, full-fledged seedlings are formed.

Rooted cuttings are separated from the mother bush and planted separately.

Planting broom

When planting broom, seedlings or seeds, choose an open, warm and windless place. Planting is best done in spring (April to May).

It is preferable to choose light, sandy soil with neutral or low acidity.

The only limitation is that you should not plant the plant near water bodies, due to the fact that the toxic substances contained in broom can have a detrimental effect on the living fauna of the pond.

Features of planting broom

  • The plant should be planted in a previously prepared soil mixture of soil, sand and humus in an approximate ratio of 1:2:1.
  • If the soil composition is poor and poor, it is better to additionally add mineral fertilizers.
  • When planting seedlings, it is important to maintain a distance of at least 30 cm between plants.
  • You can buy seedlings for planting broom at any specialized retail outlet. It is better to choose a grown plant with a closed root system.

Agricultural planting technology

  • Place the seedling in a prepared hole with soil mixture so that its root collar is at ground level.
  • The optimal condition for the development of a young plant will also be a pre-prepared drainage layer. Moreover, its thickness in the planting hole will depend on the quality of the soil (from 10 to 20 cm). The heavier and denser the soil, the larger the drainage layer. Broken bricks or pebbles are used as drainage.
  • After filling and compacting the soil after planting, it is necessary to water the plant abundantly.
  • By mulching the soil around the seedling, it will be possible to better retain moisture, aerate the soil and prevent the growth of weeds.

Broom care

Broom does not require special care or constant attention; it is enough to follow the basic rules of agricultural technology and the plant will feel comfortable in the garden.

Watering

  • Broom is a fairly drought-resistant plant, so it is better to water it abundantly, but not often, to prevent stagnation of moisture.
  • And under conditions of systematic precipitation, additional moisture is not required at all.

Loosening

  • Loosening the soil around the bush and removing weeds is a necessary measure for caring for the plant.
  • Loosening should not be done too deep, up to 10 cm, so as not to damage the root system of the broom.
  • The optimal replacement for loosening can be mulching the soil with peat about 5 cm.

Top dressing

  • Fertilizer application is an important agrotechnical technique that improves plant growth and development.
  • Experts recommend carrying out several feedings during the period of active vegetative growth.
  • In the spring, nitrogen-containing fertilizers (urea) are applied, in the summer - potassium and phosphorus mixtures. The dosage of fertilizing is calculated according to the instructions.
  • If additional stimulation of broom growth is necessary, wood ash is also added.

Trimming

  • The broom does not require any special shaping or pruning.
  • But, after flowering, in order to form even more young shoots with buds, its branches are pruned to strong lignified lateral branches.

Preparing for winter

  • To avoid freezing of young (up to 3 years old) shrubs, it is better to additionally cover them before the onset of cold weather.
  • If the bush is low, it is enough to cover it with spruce branches. In the case of taller broom, the branches are pressed to the ground with special brackets and covered with leaves or the same spruce branches.
  • Adult plants, as a rule, are quite winter-hardy and do not need such a procedure.

Growing in a container

  • Some heat-loving broom varieties are also grown as a houseplant. Then, in warm weather, the pots are exposed to fresh air, and in winter they are brought indoors.

Pest and disease control

  • Broom is a fairly disease-resistant crop.
  • In case of powdery mildew, use 5% copper sulfate, which is used to treat the plant when the buds have not yet opened. If signs of the disease continue to appear, spraying with foundationazole or colloidal sulfur helps in the summer. In case of broom disease with black spot, similar measures are carried out.
  • When attacked by pests, use appropriate insecticides. Thus, the pest moth that appears on the leaves is easily exterminated with a 0.2% chlorophos solution. And the moth is “afraid” of bacterial and organophosphate insecticides.

Application of broom

  • The most common use of broom bushes is to design park and garden areas and various landscapes. The attractive decorative appearance of the plant could not help but interest landscape designers. Both single and group plantings of broom are practiced. A long-flowering shrub with an unusually beautiful crown that looks impressive against the background of conifers or cereal plants. The contrast of colors advantageously emphasizes the variety of planted ornamental crops.


  • In the pharmaceutical industry, poisonous alkaloids contained in broom are used.
  • Blooming in early spring, broom varieties are excellent for cutting.

  • Broom is an excellent honey plant.
  • Broom is used in the chemical industry to produce yellow dye and dye natural wool.
  • Durable wood from bush branches is used to make small crafts.
  • In the cosmetics industry, perfumes made from fragrant varieties of broom are used.

Thus, with so many advantages and favorable qualities, broom can easily be grown on your own plot. Love for the species diversity of the plant world will serve as an additional incentive for growing broom. And the spectacular decorative appearance of the plant and ease of care will help you quickly realize your plans.

Broom, photo gallery

Video: “Broom. Features of broom. Broom care"

If we look at the broom in the photo, it is presented as a shrub reaching a height of 0.5-3 m. It is used to strengthen and decorate wastelands and sandy slopes. Broom flowers are bright yellow, yellow-white, purple, and cream.

Common types of broom

Some brooms with fragrant flowers are grown in gardens and cottages.

The most famous include:

  • Crown broom (Cytisus scoparius). It reaches a height of 3 meters. On thin green shoots there are small oval or oblong-lanceolate leaves. The flowers are yellow, irregularly shaped, up to 2 cm in size. The plant is frost-resistant, tolerates frosts down to –20 degrees. The leaves fall very early. Widely cultivated in Europe and in regions with mild climates. Blooms in April – May.
  • Early broom (Cytisus praecox). The shrub reaches a height of 1.5 meters. It is the most unpretentious species. Arched branches scattered to the sides form a dense crown. The leaves are narrow, small, up to 2 cm in size. Bright yellow flowers abundantly adhere to the branches. The plant is winter-hardy, grows quickly, blooms, like Venechny broom, in April - May.
  • Russian broom (Cytisus ruthenicus). Frost- and drought-resistant species, reaches a height of 2 meters, slightly curving branches, grayish-brown color. The leaves are trifoliate, up to 1.6 cm long, and the flowers are large, yellow, located from 2 to 5 pieces in the leaf axils. Grows in Europe, the Caucasus and the southwestern part of Siberia. Blooms in May – July.
  • Purple broom (Cytisus purpureus). creeping fast growing shrub with a spreading green crown. It reaches a height of only 0.6 meters. The branches are densely covered with leaves. It blooms with purple and lilac flowers in June–July. It freezes over in winter, but recovers again in spring. Grows in central and southern parts Europe.

Growing broom

Broom is planted at a distance of 30–50 cm from each other so that the neck of the plant is located at ground level, and for the purpose of drainage, river pebbles are placed at the bottom of the hole. After planting, mulch around the broom with peat or soil 5 cm thick.

Care includes regular weeding and fertilizing. So, Purple broom needs to be fertilized before flowering. To do this, mix potassium sulfate and granulated superphosphate. If you notice that the bush is not growing well, you can add some wood ash under the bush. Broom is covered with spruce branches for the winter. Shelter is especially necessary for young one- and two-year-old plants.

All varieties are drought-resistant. Therefore, if sufficient rainfall occurs during spring and summer, additional watering is not required. In dry weather, it is enough to water the plant once a week in the evening.

After flowering, part of the shoots is pruned to the side branching in order to stimulate the growth of young shoots and the laying of a significant number of buds.

Broom propagation

Broom propagates by green cuttings, layering and seeds:

  • broom from June to July, for which slightly lignified cuttings about 20 cm long are cut, 3 or 4 leaves are left on them and placed in boxes with moist soil consisting of peat and sand in equal proportions. The box is covered with plastic transparent film and root the cuttings at a temperature of about +20 degrees for about a month and a half.
  • Broom seeds are sown in spring in boxes with peat and sand to a depth of 5 mm. In order for the seeds to germinate, they are pre-stratified for two months. The box with seedlings is kept in partial shade at a temperature of +18–20 degrees and with sufficient air and soil humidity.
  • In order to obtain layering, the branches of an adult broom are bent, placed in prepared holes and sprinkled with soil.

Healing and decorative properties of broom

If you study healing properties, then the Russian broom deserves the most attention. Immediately after flowering, it is necessary to collect the upper parts of the plant with young flowers.

Broom contains flavonoids, which remove chloride compounds from the body and have a diuretic effect. The prepared decoction or infusion is useful for angina pectoris, migraines, jaundice and cholecystitis.

In garden design, broom is used both in single and group plantings. During bright flowering, it creates a spectacular contrast with conifers. It is used in rocky gardens and on.

Thanks to long flowering broom is planted in containers and used to decorate various parts of the garden, terraces, and courtyards.

Broom is a shrub from the Legume genus. Depending on the species, of which there are more than 50, the shrub can be either evergreen or deciduous. It is excellent for landscaping garden plots, squares and parks, especially since its shoots begin to wake up in early spring and grow right up to frost, maintaining their decorative properties all this time. Looks great both in single and group plantings.

Botanical description of Broom

Broom (lat. Cytisus) - a shrub of bright green or gray from the subfamily Mothaceae, legume family. Its height reaches up to 2.5 meters. IN wildlife Broom grows in North Africa, western Asia, and Europe. Here the shrub grows in ravines on light and dry sandy and sandy loam soils, and sometimes on limestone outcrops.

The leaves of Broom are trifoliate, sometimes they can be reduced to one, they are arranged alternately. Stipules are absent or very small.

Broom begins to bloom in late spring - early summer. At the tops of the shoots, moth flowers are located in the heads or in the brushes. Their length is 2-3 cm. The color of the inflorescences is often white or yellow, although sometimes you can find species with purple, lilac or pink flowers. Each flower consists of 10 stamens fused together into one tube.

Broom fruits are linear beans. When ripe they crack. The seeds are flat, kidney-shaped, with an appendix, shiny.

Types and varieties of broom

More than 50 varieties of Broom are known, 15 have been cultivated. However, only some species and varieties of shrubs have become widespread.

Russian broom (Cytisus ruthenicus)

The bush is quite dense. Habitat: steppes and forest-steppes of Russia, West Side Siberia and the Caucasus. Frost-resistant and drought-resistant species. Plant height is 1.5 meters. The stems are pubescent, the branches are straight or twisting, of a grayish tint. The leaf blades are gray-green on top, smooth, and covered with pile underneath. The flowers are large and yellow. The bush is an excellent honey plant. Russian Broom blooms for 2.5 weeks. The fruits ripen in September.

Creeping broom (Cytisus decumbens)

Refers to low-growing varieties. The height of the bush is about 20 cm, but its width reaches up to 80 cm. The stems and leaves are pubescent. The color of the flowers varies from light to dark yellow. The length of the flowers is 1.5 cm. The flowering period is May-June. Suitable for decorating rocky hills.

Crown broom (Cytisus Scoparius)

Only young bushes are pubescent. The length of the stems can reach up to 3 meters. The flowers are large, their length is 2 cm, light yellow. Leaf fall begins in early spring. This feature is a kind of preparation of the stems for the coming winter. The bush can safely withstand frosts down to -20℃.

Crown broom includes such decorative forms as "Boscope Ruby"- the variety stands out bright flowers scarlet with a yellow border; "Burkwoody"— flower color is red-coral with a golden border; "Red Wings"— the color of the flowers varies from garnet red to crimson with a yellow spot at the base;

Lena broom (Cytisus Lena)

The bushes are dense, multi-stemmed. The height of the plant is about 1.3 meters, width - 1.5 meters. The branches are green. They, like the calyx and peduncle of a flower, are pubescent. The leaves are small, oval or oblong-lanceolate, bright green in color. The flowers are similar to pea inflorescences.

Black broom (Cytisus Blakelock)

The height of the bush is 1 meter. The stems are pubescent, the flowers are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences of a golden yellow hue. Flowering period - end of June - end of September.

Albus broom (Cytisus albidus)

It stands out for its unusual spherical, very compact shape. The height and width of the bush is approximately 1.2 meters. The whitish-yellow flowers bloom in mid-May. Flowering lasts until mid-summer.

Planting Broom

The site for growing Broom must be open, sunny, protected from drafts and gusts of wind. It is not recommended to plant Broom near a pond, as the plant contains a number of toxic substances.

Planting takes place in the spring. It is desirable that the soil be light, consisting, for example, of earth, humus and sand (1: 1: 2). If the soil is poor, then mineral fertilizers must be added to it. Optimal time for this purpose - April-May. The distance between seedlings is at least 30 cm.

The depth of planting of the seedling should be such that the root collar is on the surface of the soil. However, one more planting condition must be taken into account: the bottom of the planting hole must contain at least a 10-centimeter layer of drainage material - it all depends on the composition of the soil. The best option for drainage is jackdaw, broken brick, crushed stone.

Having planted a seedling, the soil becomes compact and the plant sheds abundantly. To retain moisture, it is recommended to mulch the soil. Broom - a symbol of well-being

Caring for shrubs in open ground

Broom is not labor-intensive to care for. It boils down to the following procedures:

Watering. Since the plant is drought-resistant, watering is not regular, but plentiful. During prolonged rainy weather, the bush should not be watered. Water stagnation must not be allowed.

Loosening the soil. Loosening and removing weeds around the broom bush is a mandatory action. In this case, loosening should not be deep, approximately 10 cm, otherwise the root system can be damaged. To prevent loosening and removing weeds from being so frequent, it is recommended to mulch the soil.

Feeding. The shrub is fed during its active growing season. In the spring it is better to apply nitrogen-containing fertilizers, for example, urea, and summer time- potassium and phosphorus mixtures. You can also add wood ash.

Shrub trimming. Broom does not require shape-building pruning. But in order for more young shoots and buds to form after flowering, the branches must be pruned to lignified lateral branches.

Preparation for winter. It is recommended to cover bushes under 3 years of age additionally before the onset of winter. Low-growing species can be covered with spruce branches; in tall varieties, the branches are lowered to the ground, pinned with special staples, sprinkled with leaves or covered with spruce branches. Mature bushes do not need shelter.

Diseases, pests. At proper care Broom is resistant to diseases and pests. However, sometimes it can be affected powdery mildew, black spotting. In this case, the bush must be treated with 5% copper sulfate. Among the pests, the bush can be attacked by moths and moths. Treating the plant with an insecticide solution will help get rid of them.