Bean's Broom Cytisus × beanii

Water

The Broom plant, commonly known as Cytisus × beanii, should be watered thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. During the growing season, water approximately every 7 to 10 days, with about 1 to 2 gallons per plant, depending on the size and environmental conditions. In the winter or dormant season, water less frequently, and adjust according to weather conditions, such as rainfall or drought. It's essential to avoid overwatering, as the Broom plant is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

Light

Cytisus × beanii, commonly known as the Broom plant, thrives best in full sunlight. It should be placed in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal location would be a south-facing garden or landscape area without any shade throughout the day.

Temperature

The Broom plant, commonly known as Cytisus × beanii, prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 40° and 80° Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 20° Fahrenheit but is not frost-tolerant and can be damaged by prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing. The ideal growing conditions are in moderate climates where nighttime temperatures do not drop below freezing too often.

Pruning

The Broom plant, or Cytisus × beanii, should be pruned right after its flowering period to maintain its shape and encourage new growth for the next season. It is generally pruned annually, cutting back flowered stems to strong new growth or to an outward-facing bud to stimulate branching and a bushier habit. The best time for pruning is typically late spring or early summer, after the bloom cycle is complete.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Cytisus × beanii, commonly known as Broom, should be well-draining with low fertility, and it can thrive in sandy or stony soils. A mixture of garden soil, sand, and peat or compost would be ideal. The preferred soil pH for Broom is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from approximately pH 6.0 to 7.5.

Repotting

Broom (Cytisus × beanii) typically does not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. It should be repotted only when the plant has outgrown its current container, which is likely every 2 to 3 years.

Humidity & Misting

Broom (Cytisus × beanii) is quite tolerant of different humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations. It grows well in the average humidity found in most outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide Broom with bright light and avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Plant Broom in well-drained soil with full sun.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Cytisus × beanii, commonly known as the Broom 'Beanii,' begins its life as a seed, which, under appropriate conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates to give rise to a seedling. Once the seedling emerges, it develops a primary root and shoots, which grow into a small shrub, with its distinctive slender green stems. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it produces compound leaves that are small and typically trifoliate. Following vegetative growth, the Broom 'Beanii' enters the reproductive phase, characterized by abundant yellow pea-like flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. After pollination, typically by bees, the flowers develop into small seed pods that contain seeds, completing the plant's reproductive cycle. The lifespan of the Broom 'Beanii' can vary, and if conditions are favorable, it may live and thrive for several years, during which it will continue to grow and undergo seasonal cycles of flowering and dormancy.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method of propagating Cytisus × beanii, commonly known as Warminster Broom, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is generally performed in late summer. To propagate, one must cut a length of semi-hardwood stem that has matured slightly after the current season’s growth. The cutting should be around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long with several leaves left at the top. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least two leaf nodes are buried where roots can form. The potted cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which can be checked by gently tugging on the cutting after a few weeks to feel for resistance.