Kew Broom Cytisus × kewensis 'Niki'
ABOUT
The Cytisus × kewensis 'Niki', commonly known as Kew Broom, is a decorative shrub known for its vibrant appearance. This plant produces a beautiful display of flowers that are a rich, sunny yellow in color, which creates a striking contrast against the green foliage. The blooms are pea-like in their shape, which is typical of plants in this family, clustering together in a way that adds to the density and lushness of the flowering display. The leaves of the Kew Broom are small and neat, with a slight blue-green hue that complements the yellow flowers. They are typically trifoliate, meaning each leaf is comprised of three smaller leaflets. This gives the foliage a feathery appearance, which can add a soft texture to gardens or landscapes. The growth habit of this broom is somewhat arching, with slender stems that give the plant an elegant and slightly weeping form. The overall appearance is one of grace and abundance, as the plant is often profuse in both its blooms and foliage. It is a favored choice for gardeners who wish to add a splash of bright color and who appreciate plants that have a long flowering period. The Kew Broom can be quite eye-catching when in full bloom, attracting attention and adding a sunny demeanor to any planting arrangement.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Kew Broom
Common names
Cytisus × kewensis 'Niki'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Broom can be toxic to humans if ingested. It contains alkaloids, including sparteine and isosparteine, which can cause a range of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it might lead to dizziness, headache, and arrhythmias. Consumption of large amounts can be dangerous, leading to potentially life-threatening issues such as muscle weakness and changes in heart rhythm.
To pets
Broom is also toxic to pets due to the presence of toxic alkaloids such as sparteine. If a pet ingests parts of the plant, they may exhibit symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. More severe cases may lead to symptoms such as increased heart rate, muscle weakness, and coordination problems. Ingesting large quantities can be particularly harmful and may result in life-threatening conditions. If you suspect your pet has ingested broom, seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its bright yellow flowers and bushy growth habit.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good resistance to drought, requiring minimal watering.
- Attracts Wildlife: Provides nectar for bees and potentially other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little pruning or care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Adaptability: Can thrive in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize slopes and banks, reducing soil erosion.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers seasonal color and structure with its flowers in spring and summer, and its semi-evergreen foliage.
- Hybrid Vigor: As a hybrid, it may show increased hardiness and improved growth characteristics compared to its parent species.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Soil Stabilization: Cytisus × kewensis 'Niki', commonly known as Kew broom, is often used to stabilize soil on slopes or banks to prevent erosion due to its robust root system.
- Wildlife Habitat: Kew broom provides shelter and nesting sites for various species of birds and insects, thus contributing to local biodiversity.
- Educational Tool: Kew broom can be used in educational gardens or schools to teach students about legume symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, aiding in soil fertility.
- Artistic Inspiration: Its bright yellow flowers and attractive green foliage may inspire artists and photographers, using the plant as a subject or backdrop for their work.
- Lasting Dye: Historically, plants in the broom family have been used in producing dyes, and Kew broom might be used for a yellow dye, although not commonly.
- Aromatic Additive: Dried parts of Kew broom can be included in potpourri mixes for a natural and pleasing fragrance.
- Traditional Crafts: The flexible branches of Kew broom can be utilized in the craft of basketry or making traditional brooms in certain cultures.
- Eco-friendly Garden Accents: Dried branches can be used in garden arrangements or as natural stakes for supporting other plants.
- Landscape Photography: Kew broom's extensive blooming can create vivid natural backdrops for landscape photography during its flowering season.
- Insectary Plant: The plant can serve as a “trap” crop, attracting insects away from other nearby plants of greater economic importance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Kew broom is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Kew broom is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Cleansing: The plant, belonging to the genus Cytisus, is commonly associated with purification and cleansing due to its historical use in sweeping tools like brooms.
- Humility: Cytisus is a humble, modest plant that doesn't require much attention or lavish care to thrive, symbolizing the virtue of humility in a person's character.
- New beginnings: As a plant that can robustly grow in challenging conditions, it often symbolizes new starts and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Vigor and Life: With its vibrant growth and the renewal of flowers each spring, the Kew Broom often represents vigor and the renewal of life itself.
WaterThe Kew broom should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In the growing season, usually spring and summer, this might mean watering approximately every week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. During the fall and winter months, water less frequently, possibly every two to three weeks, using the same amount, as the plant enters a dormant stage and requires less moisture.
LightKew broom thrives best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot is an unobstructed south-facing location where it can bask in the sun's rays, ensuring healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureKew broom prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ideally ranging between 40°F and 75°F. It can survive minimal temperatures down to about 20°F but may suffer or die if exposed to extended periods of cold below this threshold. Conversely, high temperatures above 90°F for prolonged periods are also not ideal for the plant.
PruningPruning Kew broom is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Prune immediately after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer, by cutting back the flowering shoots to strong young growth. Annually pruning about one-third of the older stems can help rejuvenate the plant and prevent it from becoming too woody.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Kew Broom (Cytisus × kewensis 'Niki') thrives best in well-draining soil with added organic matter, such as compost or peat. A mix consisting of one part loam, one part peat, and one part sharp sand would be ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.5.
RepottingKew Broom does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has clearly outgrown its current container. Be gentle with the root system during the process to avoid any unnecessary stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingKew Broom prefers moderate humidity conditions; it does not require high humidity levels. Average room humidity is generally adequate for this species when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure good drainage, and protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Cytisus × kewensis 'Niki', commonly known as Kew Broom, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in well-drained soil and given appropriate warmth and light, will germinate to produce a seedling. The young plant rapidly enters a vegetative state, where it focuses on leaf and stem growth, establishing a robust root system to absorb nutrients and water. As it matures, the Kew Broom enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, showcasing yellow pea-like flowers that attract pollinators such as bees. After pollination, the plant produces seed pods that eventually dry, split open, and release seeds, starting the next generation. With proper care, including pruning after flowering, the Kew Broom can live for several years, entering a period of dormancy in the colder months before resuming growth in the spring. The plant eventually reaches senescence, characterized by a decline in vitality and productivity, leading to its end of life.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Kew broom, Cytisus × kewensis 'Niki', is mostly propagated via semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is best carried out in late summer, which allows the cuttings to develop enough roots to survive winter. To do this, you would select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length, ensuring that several leaf nodes are included. The lower leaves are then stripped, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot with well-draining soil, such as a mix of peat and perlite or sand, making sure to bury it up to the first set of leaves. The pot should be kept in a warm environment with indirect light, ensuring that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Roots generally start to form within a few weeks, and once they are well established, the new plants can be transferred to individual pots or to their final location outdoors.
