White Spanish Broom Cytisus multiflorus
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as White Spanish Broom is a striking and bushy evergreen shrub. Its most noticeable feature is the abundance of white flowers that it produces, which are particularly dense and can cover the shrub entirely, giving it a spectacular show of white blooms. The flowers are small, sweetly scented, and pea-like in appearance, displaying a typical banner, wings, and keel shape. The leaves of White Spanish Broom are small, slender, and typically green, though they can be relatively sparse in comparison to the profusion of flowers. During blooming season, the plant can appear almost entirely white due to the sheer number of blooms. This dense flowering pattern contributes to its popularity as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. The branches of White Spanish Broom are slender, with a somewhat angular and broom-like quality, which is a characteristic of plants in its family. The stems are green when young, becoming woody and dark with age. Outside of its blooming season, the plant maintains a green to dark gray appearance due to its foliage and mature branches. Its overall form is rounded and lush, with a tendency to spread outwards, making White Spanish Broom an attractive plant even when not in flower. This plant is resilient and well-adapted to various conditions, often contributing to its success as a feature in many plantings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
White Spanish Broom, White Broom, Flor De La Pluma.
Common names
Genista multiflora, Spartium multiflorum, Cytisus albus, Cytisus candidus.
ToxicityTo humans
White Spanish Broom (Cytisus multiflorus) may contain toxic alkaloids that can be harmful if ingested. While severe cases of poisoning in humans are rare, consumption of parts of the plant could potentially lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, more severe reactions such as convulsions, respiratory failure, and potentially even coma could occur due to the impact of these alkaloids on the nervous system. Contact with the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals.
To pets
White Spanish Broom (Cytisus multiflorus) is also toxic to pets due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. Pets that ingest parts of the plant may experience symptoms similar to those in humans, including gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, pets could also suffer from nervous system symptoms like tremors or seizures. It's important for pet owners to prevent their animals from ingesting this plant to avoid potential toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Iberia
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Ornamentation: Cytisus multiflorus, commonly known as white broom, is often used to enhance gardens and parks due to its abundant and attractive white flowers.
- Soil Stabilization: The plant's rooting system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in sloped areas.
- Nitrogen Fixation: As a member of the legume family, white broom is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil where it grows.
- Drought Resilience: White broom is well adapted to survive in dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and for gardens in arid regions.
- Biodiversity Support: It provides nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, which is crucial for the health of various ecosystems.
- Fast Growth: Cytisus multiflorus grows quickly, allowing for rapid establishment and coverage in new plantings or when used in landscape restoration projects.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, white broom requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for gardeners and landscape managers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cytisus multiflorus, commonly known as White Spanish Broom, can be used as a natural dye source. The flowering parts are known to produce yellow and green dyes traditionally employed in textile coloring.
- The flexible branches of White Spanish Broom have been historically used for basket weaving in rural communities, valued for their pliability and strength.
- Livestock grazing is another use for White Spanish Broom; while some parts can be toxic, they are often eaten by goats in areas where the plant is native or common.
- White Spanish Broom is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, prized for its abundant and fragrant flowers.
- The wood of White Spanish Broom is useful for making small handcrafted items such as utensils or decorative crafts due to its hard and dense nature.
- Beekeepers value White Spanish Broom as it is a good source of nectar and pollen for honeybees, aiding in the production of honey.
- This plant is used for soil stabilization on slopes and banks, as its root system helps to prevent erosion and promote soil health.
- In some regions, the dried plant is used as a natural broom for sweeping, referencing its common name and making use of its stiff twigs.
- The seeds of White Spanish Broom have been used as a coffee substitute, although this is not very common and the taste is quite different from traditional coffee.
- Its rapid growth and flowering qualities make White Spanish Broom suitable for use in floral arrangements and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe White Spanish Broom is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White Spanish Broom is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purification: Cytisus multiflorus, commonly known as White Spanish Broom, has historically been used to make brooms and brushes, symbolizing cleansing and the sweeping away of negative energies or influences.
- Protection: In some cultures, branches of the White Spanish Broom were placed around homes or livestock to protect against evil spirits or misfortune.
- Humility: The simple and unassuming appearance of the White Spanish Broom flower has been associated with humility and a reminder of the importance of modesty.
- Renewal: The vibrant growth and the prolific blooming nature of White Spanish Broom can symbolize renewal, new beginnings, and the rejuvenation of the spirit.
WaterThe White Spanish Broom should be watered sparingly as it is drought-tolerant. Establish young plants with moderate watering but once established, reduce the frequency. During the growing season, watering once every two weeks with approximately one gallon per plant should suffice, depending on the local climate and soil drainage. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. In the winter, reduce watering further to once a month or less, as the plant will be in dormancy and requires even less water.
LightThe White Spanish Broom thrives in full sun conditions. It prefers to be planted in a location where it will receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and leggy growth. This plant does well in a south-facing spot that benefits from the longest hours of daylight and the intense midday sun.
TemperatureWhite Spanish Broom prefers a temperate climate and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It survives maximum temperatures around 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, but can also endure colder weather down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit at night. For optimal growth, maintaining average temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Ensure the plant is not exposed to prolonged periods of frost, which can damage the foliage and stems.
PruningPruning is essential for the White Spanish Broom to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. It should be pruned after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. Remove dead flowers and prune back the stems that have finished blooming by one-third to promote new flower buds for the next season. Pruning will help to prevent the shrub from becoming leggy and ensure it remains lush and bushy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe White Broom (Cytisus multiflorus) thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, ideally a mix of loamy and sandy soil amended with organic matter to ensure fertility and drainage.
RepottingWhite Broom (Cytisus multiflorus) typically does not require frequent repotting; it can be done every 2 to 3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingThe White Broom (Cytisus multiflorus) prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the typical range of outdoor humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place White Broom in bright, indirect light, with moderate watering.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun, protect from extreme cold and plant in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Cytisus multiflorus, commonly known as White Spanish Broom, begins with seed germination, which requires a period of scarification or exposure to cold temperatures to break dormancy. After germination, the seedling stage involves the development of a deep taproot and the emergence of the first leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, White Spanish Broom grows rapidly, forming a shrubby structure with green, slender stems. During the reproductive stage, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer, it produces an abundance of white, fragrant flowers that are pollinated by insects. Successful pollination results in the production of small seed pods that mature, dry, and eventually release seeds to begin the next generation. In its final stage, the plant may die back, especially if subjected to environmental stresses or after several years, as it is a perennial species with a relatively short lifespan compared to trees.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Cytisus multiflorus, more commonly known as White Spanish Broom, is typically propagated during its dormancy period in late winter or early spring. The most popular method of propagation for White Spanish Broom is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves taking cuttings of the current year's growth that has started to harden but is not yet fully woody. The ideal length for these cuttings is usually about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). The lower leaves are removed and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light until they have rooted, which generally takes several weeks.
