Cytisus Racemosus P17 40cm

Description and Characteristics

Cytisus racemosus is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen shrub admired for its masses of fragrant, bright yellow pea-like flowers that bloom in early to mid-spring. Commonly referred to as Easter Broom or Sweet Broom, this plant is native to the Canary Islands and Madeira and belongs to the Fabaceae (pea) family. It produces arching green stems with sparse small leaves, often giving it a light, airy appearance.

The flowers are arranged in elongated racemes, covering the plant in bright yellow for several weeks and releasing a sweet fragrance that attracts bees and other early pollinators. Following the flowers, small seed pods may form.

Cytisus racemosus typically grows to about 1.2–2 metres in height with a similar spread, depending on pruning and growing conditions. It is widely used for hedges, screening, informal borders, and coastal or Mediterranean gardens, thanks to its tolerance for wind, drought, and poor soils.

• Tall, arching green stems with abundant yellow spring blooms

• Sweetly fragrant flowers in April–May, lasting several weeks

• Height and spread: 1.5–2 m

• Semi-evergreen in mild climates; may lose leaves in colder regions

• Ideal for wildlife gardens, slopes, coastal areas, and dry borders

• Attracts bees and early pollinators

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Cytisus racemosus is a tough and low-maintenance shrub that performs best in sunny, well-drained locations. It is especially valued for its ability to thrive in poor soils and dry, exposed environments.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun—essential for dense flowering and healthy growth

  • Will tolerate very light shade, but flowering will be reduced

• Soil Preferences:

  • Thrives in poor to moderately fertile soil

  • Needs sharp drainage—ideal for sandy, gravelly, or light soils

  • Avoid clay or waterlogged conditions

• Watering Needs:

  • Water during prolonged dry periods in the first year

  • Once established, it is very drought-tolerant

  • Avoid overwatering or high-nutrient soil

• Feeding:

  • Feeding generally not required

  • If desired, a light application of low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring is sufficient

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Prune after flowering to maintain shape and prevent legginess

  • Cut stems back by one-third, avoiding hard pruning into old wood

  • Remove dead or damaged growth in early spring

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy to around -5°C to -10°C (RHS H4)

  • In colder regions, may die back partially or entirely—mulch for protection

  • In containers, move to a sheltered position during frost

• Propagation:

  • Best propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

  • Can also grow from seed, though germination may be slow

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Wildlife Value

Cytisus racemosus is an excellent choice for sunny, dry gardens, offering early-season colour, fragrance, and structure with minimal input. Its fine texture and arching stems give it a naturalistic feel, perfect for informal and wildlife-focused designs.

• Design Uses:

  • Ideal for dry borders, gravel gardens, bank stabilisation, and slopes

  • Works well in Mediterranean, coastal, and low-water plantings

  • Can be used as seasonal screening or informal hedging

• Companion Plants:

  • Pair with lavender, cistus, rosemary, salvia, euphorbia, and ornamental grasses

  • Combines beautifully with silver foliage plants like Artemisia and Santolina

  • Adds early colour before summer-flowering shrubs like Ceanothus or Buddleja

• Pollinator Support:

  • Highly attractive to bees—provides nectar early in the season

  • Supports early insect activity in wildlife and pollinator-friendly gardens

  • Valuable in biodiversity planting schemes

• Container Use:

  • Can be grown in large pots with free-draining compost

  • Use on sunny patios or terraces as a spring feature

  • Trim lightly and ensure containers do not become waterlogged

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and disease-resistant

  • Rarely affected by common garden problems

  • Ensure air circulation and good drainage to prevent fungal issues

• Size
  P17 40cm

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)

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