Boskoop Ruby Cytisus × boskoopii 'Zeelandia'
ABOUT
Cytisus × boskoopii 'Zeelandia', commonly known as the Zeelandia broom, is a deciduous shrub that presents a vibrant display of color when in bloom. Its appearance is characterized by an arching, multi-stemmed habit that gives it a somewhat rounded and bushy look. The foliage of the Zeelandia broom is composed of small, green leaves that are delicate and slender, providing a fine-textured backdrop for the flowers. One of the most notable features of this plant is its profusion of flowers. During the blooming season, it becomes adorned with conical clusters of blooms. Each cluster is like a small bouquet, with individual flowers densely packed together. These blossoms are notable for their two-tone coloration, often displaying a mix of pink and cream hues that appear soft and inviting. The flowers are pea-like in shape, which is typical for members of its family. In addition to the color, the flowers may attract attention with their pleasant fragrance, which can be detected when standing nearby. Once the flowering season concludes, the plant may produce small seed pods that are less conspicuous than the flashy blooms. Overall, the Zeelandia broom is celebrated for its spectacular floral display and the graceful form that it brings to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Zeelandia Broom
Common names
Cytisus × boskoopii 'Zeelandia'.
ToxicityTo humans
Broom is a plant that can be toxic when ingested. The plant contains alkaloids such as sparteine and is cytotoxic, which can cause harmful effects on the cells. If ingested, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the toxic principles can lead to respiratory failure and convulsions. It is important to avoid consuming any parts of the Broom plant.
To pets
Broom is also toxic to pets if ingested. Similar to its effects in humans, the alkaloids and cytotoxic properties of the plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset, with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. More severe toxicity can manifest as weakness, lethargy, and in coordination. In serious cases, it could cause changes in heart rate, convulsions, and potentially respiratory failure. Pet owners should prevent their animals from ingesting any part of the Broom plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.82 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Cytisus × boskoopii 'Zeelandia', commonly known as Broom, has vibrant pink and cream flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Broom plants are well-adapted to dry conditions, requiring minimal watering once established, which makes them suitable for drought-prone regions.
- Low Maintenance: Broom is relatively easy to care for, with limited pruning and feeding requirements, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Fast Growth: Broom plants generally grow quickly, allowing for rapid establishment and filling in of garden spaces.
- Soil Adaptability: Able to thrive in a variety of soil types, including poor soils, Broom is versatile and can be planted in many different garden settings.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Broom attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination and benefiting the biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Broom typically flowers in late spring, providing a burst of color at a time when many early spring blooms are fading.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Broom helps stabilize soil, which can prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
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 create yellow dyes for textiles, providing a natural alternative to synthetic colorants.
- Natural brooms: Historically, the stiff branches of Broom have been bundled together to create broomsticks for sweeping, hence the common name.
- Craft material: The flexible stems of Broom can be woven into baskets, mats, and other craft items.
- Soil stabilization: Broom can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil with its root system.
- Fragrance: Broom flowers have a pleasant scent and can be used in potpourris or as a natural air freshener.
- Education and study: Plant enthusiasts and botany students may study the Broom for its hybrid characteristics and genetic makeup.
- Wildlife habitat: Broom provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small animals, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Photography and painting: With its vibrant flowers, Broom is an excellent subject for photographers and artists, especially in spring.
- Garden border definition: Broom can be planted to create natural borders within gardens, offering structural definition and seasonal color.
- Water-wise landscaping: Given its drought tolerance, Broom is suitable for xeriscaping, reducing the need for irrigation in gardens.
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- Cleansing: The broom plant, which Cytisus × boskoopii 'Zeelandia' belongs to, has been historically used for making brooms, symbolizing the act of sweeping away negative energy or old habits.
- New Beginnings: As brooms clear away the old, the plant is also associated with new beginnings or starting afresh.
- Protection: In folklore, the broom plant has been used to create protective boundaries or to guard against evil spirits.
- Purification: Linked to its cleansing qualities, the broom plant can represent purification, suggesting the removal of impurities or bad influences from one’s life.
WaterFor the Scotch Broom 'Zeelandia', it is essential to water the plant deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water the plant every 7 to 10 days, providing about 1 gallon of water each time for mature shrubs, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. Reduce watering in the fall and further in the winter, as the plant is more drought-resistant and requires less moisture. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out slightly between watering sessions.
LightScotch Broom 'Zeelandia' thrives best in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A sunny spot with unfiltered light will encourage the most prolific flowering. However, the plant can tolerate partial shade, although this may result in fewer flowers and possibly a more open, leggy growth habit.
TemperatureFor the Scotch Broom 'Zeelandia', the ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 75°F, which encourages vigorous growth and flowering. This plant is hardy and can tolerate minimum temperatures of down to around 20°F. Maximum temperature tolerance is less defined, but the plant can usually withstand the summer heat typical of temperate regions.
PruningPruning the Scotch Broom 'Zeelandia' is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. Cut back the flowered stems to strong new growth or to the base of the plant, and remove any weak, dead, or diseased wood. Doing this annually will help to rejuvenate the plant and maintain a compact, attractive form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Scotch Broom 'Zeelandia', prepare a well-draining soil mix with equal parts of garden soil, peat, and sharp sand. It prefers a soil pH of slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingScotch Broom 'Zeelandia' typically does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingScotch Broom 'Zeelandia' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations as it is well-suited to outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoors, requires full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; does not suit indoor growth.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Cytisus × boskoopii 'Zeelandia', commonly known as the Broom 'Zeelandia', begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in spring, given appropriate temperature and moisture conditions. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with characteristic trifoliate leaves. The plant undergoes vegetative growth, typically forming a dense, shrub-like shape with numerous branches. In late spring to early summer, 'Zeelandia' enters the flowering stage, producing pink to bicolor pea-like flowers which are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, seed pods mature and eventually release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The Broom 'Zeelandia', a perennial plant, enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, reducing metabolic activity until the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most common method of propagating the Cytisus × boskoopii 'Zeelandia', also known as Scotch Broom 'Zeelandia', is through semi-ripe cuttings. This process typically takes place in late summer. To propagate, one must select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a length of approximately 4-6 inches (about 10-15 centimeters). The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining propagation medium. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, sheltered spot with indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks.
