French Broom
Genista monspessulana
Also listed as Teline monspessulana, Cytisus candicans
Also known as Montpellier Broom, Montpelier Broom
Climate Match for your location
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French broom is a vigorous, spreading evergreen shrub with bright yellow flowers that bloom in spring. It is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in poor, well-drained soils with minimal water.
Why grow it
French broom fills a niche for gardeners seeking a hardy, evergreen shrub that performs reliably in Mediterranean climates and xeriscape plantings where many ornamentals struggle. It offers bright spring color with minimal maintenance once established, making it a lower-input alternative to more demanding flowering shrubs in appropriate climates. Compared to other genista species, it tolerates poorer soils and drier conditions with less supplemental care.
Watch out for
French broom can become woody and leggy over time, particularly in shaded positions, and may require occasional hard pruning to maintain compact form. In mild climates with adequate moisture, it can grow quite vigorously and may outpace nearby plantings if not monitored. It generally prefers full sun and can decline in performance where humidity is persistently high.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
French broom is a vigorous, spreading evergreen shrub with bright yellow flowers that bloom in spring. It is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in poor, well-drained soils with minimal water.
Climate Match for your location
See how well French Broom grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
French broom fills a niche for gardeners seeking a hardy, evergreen shrub that performs reliably in Mediterranean climates and xeriscape plantings where many ornamentals struggle. It offers bright spring color with minimal maintenance once established, making it a lower-input alternative to more demanding flowering shrubs in appropriate climates. Compared to other genista species, it tolerates poorer soils and drier conditions with less supplemental care.
Watch out for
French broom can become woody and leggy over time, particularly in shaded positions, and may require occasional hard pruning to maintain compact form. In mild climates with adequate moisture, it can grow quite vigorously and may outpace nearby plantings if not monitored. It generally prefers full sun and can decline in performance where humidity is persistently high.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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