Broom Cytisus × boskoopii 'Windlesham Ruby'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Windlesham Ruby', which is a hybrid of the broom family, presents a striking sight when in bloom. It sports an abundance of pea-like flowers that boast a vibrant and deep ruby-red hue, infusing the shrub with a dense explosion of color. These flowers are small but numerous and they cluster together, painting the plant with a dramatic and richly pigmented palette. The foliage of 'Windlesham Ruby' is fine-textured, consisting of small, green leaves that are trifoliate, meaning they are arranged in groups of three. The leaves are slender and create a delicate backdrop that contrasts the boldness of the flowers. The overall form of the plant is quite upright with arching stems, giving it an elegant and open aspect that allows viewers to appreciate the full beauty of the blooms which brighten gardens in the late spring to early summer season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Boskoop Ruby Broom, Windlesham Ruby Broom, Ruby Broom
Common names
Cytisus × boskoopii 'Windlesham Ruby'.
ToxicityTo humans
Broom is the most common name for the plant Cytisus × boskoopii 'Windlesham Ruby'. This plant is considered toxic to humans if ingested. The toxicity is due to the presence of alkaloids such as sparteine and isocytisine, which can affect the heart rhythm and cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if consumed in sufficient quantities. In severe cases, ingestion of broom can lead to potentially fatal complications such as respiratory failure or convulsions. It is essential for individuals to avoid consuming any parts of the plant to prevent the risk of poisoning.
To pets
Broom is the most common name for the plant Cytisus × boskoopii 'Windlesham Ruby'. This plant is toxic to pets if ingested. The symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and in severe cases, it may lead to changes in heart rate and rhythm. Pets may also experience muscle tremors and potential respiratory issues. It is crucial for pet owners to prevent their animals from ingesting parts of the broom plant to avoid these toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Ruby-red
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
None
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Cytisus 'Windlesham Ruby' attracts bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is quite tolerant to drought, reducing the need for regular watering.
- Soil Stabilization: Its root system can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Decorative Blooms: Produces vibrant ruby-red flowers that add a splash of color to gardens in spring and early summer.
- Fragrance: The blooms can have a pleasant scent, adding an aromatic quality to the garden space.
- Compact Growth: Often used in small gardens or where space is limited due to its relatively compact size.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for wildlife, supporting local biodiversity.
- Fast Growth: It can grow quickly, which makes it good for new gardens or when wanting to establish plants rapidly.
- All-Season Interest: Offers visual interest throughout the year with its evergreen foliage and seasonal blooms.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The flowers of Broom can be used to make a yellow dye, historically used in fabric and tapestry coloring.
- Traditional Crafts: Flexible stems of Broom can be woven to create small baskets, brooms, or decorative items.
- Photography Prop: Due to its vibrant flowers, Broom is often used as a photogenic background or feature in garden photography.
- Fragrance Source: The flowers may be used in potpourris or as a source of fragrance for natural perfumery owing to their pleasant smell.
- Biofuel Research: Some Broom species are being researched as potential biofuel sources due to their rapid growth and hardiness.
- Instrument Making: The wood, being strong and dense, has been used historically in making small musical instruments or parts thereof.
- Garden Borders: Broom is used to create natural, low-maintenance borders in gardens that can withstand poor soil conditions.
- Erosion Control: Planting Broom can help in stabilizing soil and controlling erosion on dry slopes.
- Wildlife Shelter: Stands of Broom can provide shelter and breeding grounds for certain species of birds and insects.
- Green Manure: Broom can be used in agricultural rotations as a nitrogen-fixing plant, enriching the soil for future crops.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Scotch Broom is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Scotch Broom is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and New Beginnings: Cytisus, commonly known as Broom, often blooms in spring, a time associated with the fresh start of a new growing season, symbolizing new chapters and rebirth.
- Purity: The Broom plant has a historical association with cleanliness and purity due in part to its traditional use in making brooms for sweeping and thus is often tied to the concept of clearing away old energies to welcome the new.
- Protection: Folklore suggests that Broom has the power to ward off evil and protect homes. It was sometimes placed above doorways for this very purpose.
- Humility: Broom's simple and unassuming appearance can symbolize humility, reminding us of the importance of being down to earth and not putting on airs.
WaterThe Scotch Broom 'Windlesham Ruby' prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently, to ensure that the root system is thoroughly soaked. Aim to water the soil around the plant when the top inch feels dry to touch, which might equate to approximately once every week or two, depending on the weather conditions. Adjust this frequency during prolonged dry spells or extreme heat by watering more frequently, but always allow the soil to mostly dry out between waterings. The quantity of water will depend on the plant's size and the soil's moisture level; an established Scotch Broom in the ground may need around 1-2 gallons per watering session.
LightThis Scotch Broom variety thrives best in full sun where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can tolerate a bit of partial shade, especially in hotter climates. For optimal flowering and growth, place it in a spot where it's bathed in bright light throughout the day.
TemperatureThe Scotch Broom 'Windlesham Ruby' is cold hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 10°F, but it grows best when the temperature stays above freezing. It can survive up to about 85°F, although it prefers cooler conditions. Ideally, the plant should be situated in an environment where average temperatures range between 60°F and 75°F for optimum growth and blooming.
PruningPrune your Scotch Broom 'Windlesham Ruby' right after it finishes flowering in late spring to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth for the following season. Avoid heavy pruning later in the season as this can reduce the following year's blooms. It's generally recommended to remove about one-third of the old wood to stimulate new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBroom 'Windlesham Ruby' thrives in well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter. A mix of loam, sand, and peat is ideal. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingBroom 'Windlesham Ruby' does not require frequent repotting; once it is established, repotting is typically unnecessary unless it outgrows its current space.
Humidity & MistingBroom 'Windlesham Ruby' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoors; needs full sun and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA
Life cycleCytisus × boskoopii 'Windlesham Ruby', commonly known as Scotch Broom 'Windlesham Ruby', begins its life cycle with seed germination, which typically occurs in spring under suitable moisture and temperature conditions. After germination, the seedling goes through a phase of establishing itself, producing a root system and foliage through vegetative growth. The plant then enters the juvenile phase, where it matures and starts to develop woody stems over several years. Scotch Broom 'Windlesham Ruby' blooms in late spring to early summer, displaying red to deep ruby flowers, which are important for pollination and subsequent seed production. After blooming, the plant produces seed pods that ripen, dry, and eventually release seeds, completing the reproductive stage. In its mature stage, the plant may reach several years of age with regular seasonal growth and dormancy cycles, typically lasting about 10 to 20 years, after which it may die back or require rejuvenation through pruning.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter - early spring
The Cytisus × boskoopii 'Windlesham Ruby', commonly known as Scotch Broom 'Windlesham Ruby', is often propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is in late summer to early autumn. To propagate, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10-15 centimeters) is taken, ensuring it includes a few leaf nodes. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. It is then placed in a well-draining growing medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite, and kept humid with a plastic cover or in a propagator until roots are established and new growth appears.
