CYTISUS GOLDFINCH

Description and Characteristics

Cytisus ‘Goldfinch’ is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub renowned for its eye-catching bicolour flowers and arching, slender green stems. In mid to late spring, the plant is smothered in peachy-yellow and crimson-red pea-like blooms, giving it a flame-like appearance that lights up borders and banks. The flower colours are vivid, appearing in short racemes that open from base to tip over several weeks.

The foliage is sparse and consists of small, narrow green leaves, giving the plant a light, airy feel. Mature plants form a broad, fountain-like shrub reaching approximately 1–1.5 metres in height and spread. ‘Goldfinch’ is a cultivar of Cytisus scoparius, native to Western Europe, and is prized for its toughness, drought tolerance, and striking spring display.

Well-suited for low-maintenance borders, slopes, dry banks, and coastal gardens, this shrub requires very little upkeep and thrives in poor soils.

• Deciduous or semi-evergreen with arching green stems

• Masses of bicolour red and yellow pea-like flowers in April to June

• Height and spread: 1–1.5 m

• Naturally mounded, fountain-like habit

• Excellent for dry borders, wildlife gardens, and informal hedging

• Attracts bees and pollinators in spring

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Cytisus ‘Goldfinch’ is one of the most undemanding shrubs available. It performs best in sunny, well-drained sites and benefits from regular light pruning after flowering.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for dense growth and prolific flowering

  • Will not thrive in shade

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers poor, well-drained soils

  • Grows well in sandy, gravelly, or loamy soils

  • Avoid clay or water-retentive soil—add grit or plant on a slope for drainage

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly in the first growing season

  • Once established, very drought-tolerant

  • Do not overwater—broom dislikes soggy conditions

• Feeding:

  • No feeding required—thrives on nutrient-poor soils

  • Avoid fertilisers, especially nitrogen-rich ones, which can reduce flowering

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth

  • Cut back flowered stems by about one-third, avoiding cuts into old wood

  • Remove dead or straggly growth in early spring

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5)

  • Tolerant of frost, coastal wind, and exposed positions

  • In very harsh winters, young plants may lose some stems, but recover well

• Propagation:

  • Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer

  • Seed-grown plants may vary in colour

Garden Use, Companions, and Pollinator Value

Cytisus ‘Goldfinch’ adds bold spring colour and fine texture to any garden with poor or dry soils. It is a reliable shrub for challenging conditions and offers long-term structure with minimal care.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for gravel gardens, dry slopes, wildlife gardens, and naturalistic borders

  • Good for low-maintenance areas, mass planting, or bank stabilisation

  • Use in coastal gardens, as it tolerates wind and salt spray

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with lavender, cistus, santolina, salvia, euphorbia, and ornamental grasses

  • Adds seasonal contrast among evergreens or silver-foliage plants like Artemisia or Helichrysum

  • Works well alongside spring bulbs or Perovskia and Achillea

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers are rich in nectar for bees and hoverflies

  • Supports early-season pollinators in wildlife gardens

  • A great choice for pollinator pathways and biodiversity planting

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Occasional aphids may appear but are rarely serious

  • Avoid poor drainage to prevent root rot or fungal issues

• Size
  2 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.