Spanish Broom
Spartium junceum
Also listed as Cytisus junceus, Genista acutifolia
Also known as Weaver's Broom, Rush Broom
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous Mediterranean shrub prized for its bright golden-yellow pea-like flowers and nearly leafless green stems that give it an airy, distinctive appearance. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and ideal for hot, dry locations.
Why grow it
Spanish broom offers stronger drought tolerance and a more refined visual character than many common ornamental shrubs in Mediterranean and semi-arid climates. Its nearly leafless green stems provide year-round structure while the flowers appear over an extended season, making it a practical choice for water-conserving landscapes where conventional shrubs struggle. Unlike some nitrogen-fixing legumes, it makes minimal soil demands once established.
Watch out for
Plants can become leggy or sparse with age and benefit from occasional pruning to maintain density, though they tolerate hard cutting. In areas with consistent moisture or winter humidity, root rot may develop, so ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Seeds germinate readily in disturbed areas, so deadheading spent flowers reduces volunteer seedlings if self-seeding is a concern.
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
A vigorous Mediterranean shrub prized for its bright golden-yellow pea-like flowers and nearly leafless green stems that give it an airy, distinctive appearance. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and ideal for hot, dry locations.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Spanish Broom grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Spanish broom offers stronger drought tolerance and a more refined visual character than many common ornamental shrubs in Mediterranean and semi-arid climates. Its nearly leafless green stems provide year-round structure while the flowers appear over an extended season, making it a practical choice for water-conserving landscapes where conventional shrubs struggle. Unlike some nitrogen-fixing legumes, it makes minimal soil demands once established.
Watch out for
Plants can become leggy or sparse with age and benefit from occasional pruning to maintain density, though they tolerate hard cutting. In areas with consistent moisture or winter humidity, root rot may develop, so ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Seeds germinate readily in disturbed areas, so deadheading spent flowers reduces volunteer seedlings if self-seeding is a concern.
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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