Topiary Flowering Broom

This dwarf yellow broom (Genista porlock or Cytisus porlock) are also known as “sunshine tree”. They like a sunny spot and will do best in a pot on a patio during the warmest months, they are slightly frost tender so if planted out need a good drainage soil and a sheltered sunny position, temperatures below -1 will damage growth on the plant so best to protect them from the worst frosts. The colourful scented flowers typically flower in the spring, but if you dead head the plant regularly you will be rewarded with flowers through summer and even up to Autumn if you’re lucky.

Make sure your plant gets plenty of light, they don’t mind a wide variety of temperatures if you try to keep it above freezing in the winter months.

Whilst the plants are in a pot, they will need regular watering, especially if in a warm spot. However, the compost does not need to be wet, just slightly damp and if you are going to be away for a few days it’s fine to leave it in a shallow saucer of water short term. To help your plant grow and keep a nice bright green foliage it is best to feed them with general purpose feed once a month through the growing season.

Your broom plant will naturally grow into a large evergreen bush. Cut off dead flowers to encourage more buds and prune lightly once a year to keep a neat shape. As your plant puts on growth it can be re potted in a larger pot with a general-purpose compost with good drainage.

Problem solving

These easy going shrubs rarely suffer from pests or disease. Just ensure you keep it well watered in hot spells and avoid pruning into the old wood.