Moonlight Scotch Broom
Cytisus scoparius 'Moonlight'
Height: 5 feet
Spread: 5 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 5
Other Names: False Heather, Scotch Broom
Description:
A high quality flowering shrub for difficult places with dry, infertile soil, excellent for use in massing; butter-yellow to cream flowers in spring in a densely branched, twiggy mound; best used in specific landscape situations
Ornamental Features
Moonlight Scotch Broom is blanketed in stunning fragrant buttery yellow pea-like flowers along the branches from mid to late spring. It has emerald green deciduous foliage. The small compound leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. The smooth bark and lime green branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Landscape Attributes
Moonlight Scotch Broom is an open multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Spreading
Moonlight Scotch Broom is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
Planting & Growing
Moonlight Scotch Broom will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.
This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for clay, alkaline soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
