How to Care for a Sweet Broom Tree

The sweet broom tree (Cytisus scoparius) is an ornamental shrub that grows up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. The plant has small, deep-green leaves and produces yellow flowers each spring. The plant derives its common name from its stiff foliage, which is reminiscent of broom bristles. Sweet broom trees require full sun and acidic soil with excellent drainage. The plants grow quickly and are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 8.

Spade
Organic compost
Mulch
General-purpose fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare a growing site by loosening the soil to a depth of 12 inches and incorporating 3 to 4 inches of organic compost.
- 2
  Plant sweet broom with its roots set at the depth they grew in the container. Water until the soil feels evenly moist.
- 3
  Place 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the root zone to prevent weeds and conserve moisture.
- 4
  Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry in the first month after planting. Once established, provide supplemental moisture only during extended dry spells.
- 5
  Feed the plant with a general-purpose fertilizer once in spring. Apply the fertilizer at the rate indicated in the package instructions.
- 6
  Prune to the preferred shape and size after blooms fade. Eliminate damaged and dead growth as needed to keep the sweet broom tree attractive.

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