Scotch Broom Pruning: When And How To Trim A Scotch Broom Plant
Scotch broom (Cystisus scoparius) is an attractive shrub that rises to about 10 feet (3 m.) high with an open, airy growth pattern. Despite the beauty of its bright yellow spring flowers, it can easily look disheveled if not pruned correctly. Pruning a scotch broom shrub must be done conservatively and at the correct season. Read on for information about scotch broom maintenance.
Scotch Broom Pruning
Scotch broom plants may require pruning because of broken or diseased branches, like any other shrubs. More often, however, gardeners decide to prune a scotch broom plant because it has outgrown its allotted space or grown scraggly as it matures. However, once the plant is fully grown, it may be too late to reshape it by trimming and it can even get out of hand, requiring control. Scotch broom maintenance must begin while the shrub is young.
How to Trim a Scotch Broom
The first rule for pruning a scotch broom shrub involves timing. Although broken or diseased branches can be pruned off at any time of the year, size or shape pruning should only be undertaken in late spring, immediately after flowering. This rule about pruning a scotch broom shrub in springtime is critical if you want an attractive bush. The scotch broom sets its buds for the following year just after spring flowering. If you snip in autumn or winter, you will dramatically reduce the number of flowers your plant produces the next summer.
What Age to Prune a Scotch Broom Plant?
It is also important to begin trimming when the tree is young. Begin your scotch broom pruning before the tree is mature, and prune back its stems annually. This stimulates growth to prevent that scraggly look. When you prune a scotch broom plant, be conservative about how much to trim. Only trim back a little to shape the tree. Never cut off more than one-quarter of the foliage in any one year. If you need to do more scotch broom pruning than this, spread the clipping over a number of years. Once the tree has grown large, it is too late to repair its scraggly look. According to experts, the mature branches do not retain many green buds. If you cut these branches back severely, you are not likely to get a fuller plant; in fact, if you prune a scotch broom shrub in this manner, you may kill it. Note: Although broom plants produce attractive, sweet-pea like blooms, they have become highly invasive in many areas. It is important to check with your local extension office before adding the plant or its relatives to your landscape to see if allowable in your area.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
-
Climate Change And Pests: Do Warmer Winters Mean More Pests?
Warmer climates can result in an increase of some pests and decrease of others, which isn’t always a good thing. Here's how to protect your garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Is A Water Wick? How To Use One To Keep Houseplants Hydrated While You’re Away
A water wick for plants will give you a worry-free break if you need to leave your plant babies for a while. It’s easy to set up and pretty much runs itself.
By Amy Grant
-
Pineapple Broom Plant Care: Moroccan Pineapple Broom Plants In Gardens
Looking for a reliable, small, hardy tree or shrub with fragrant flowers? Then look no further than the Moroccan pineapple broom. Learn more about this interesting plant and how to care for it in the following article. Click here for additional info.
By Gardening Know How
-
Sweet Broom Shrub Care – How To Plant Broom Shrubs
While many people consider the plant a noxious weed, it is an attractive plant. In the proper space, growing sweet broom shrub will add a nice wild touch to the landscape and enhance the area with its scented blossoms. Click here for more info.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Information On Broom Shrubs: Controlling Broom Shrubs In The Landscape
Broom plants are common sights long highways, in meadows and in disturbed areas but can get a bit invasive in some areas. This article will help you control the plants while enjoying their ease of care.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Scotch Broom Control: Getting Rid Of Scotch Broom Shrub From The Yard
Though sometimes attractive in the landscape, the scotch broom shrub is a noxious weed. Scotch broom control is difficult and often time-consuming, but worth the effort. Learn more in this article.
By Becca Badgett