Cytisus decumbens

Cytisus decumbens, or Creeping Broom, is a deciduous ground cover shrub with a prostrate and spreading habit. Its small, simple and silky leaves are a tender green colour that contrasts beautifully with the bright yellow flowering that occurs in May-June. This undershrub is very hardy, drought-resistant and tolerant of various soil types. It will easily find its place in a warm and dry garden to create an extremely bright flower carpet. 

Creeping Broom is an undershrub native to southern Europe. It has a prostrate habit and does not exceed 20 cm to 30 cm (7.9 in to 11.8 in) in height with a spread of about 1 m (3.3 ft). It is the most creeping of its species and therefore makes a very effective ground cover, capable of vegetating inhospitable areas of the garden. Its branches are green, ascending, pentagonal, slender and ramified. They have a downy appearance in their juvenile state and develop roots. The stems bear deciduous foliage up to their tips. The tender green, silky, oblong and simple leaves are shortly petiolate and measure between 0.5 cm and 2 cm (0.2 in to 0.8 in). Their undersides are covered with fine hairs. In May and June, Cytisus decumbens offers a profusion of very bright yellow flowers. The flowers are relatively large, borne in long clusters along the stems, measuring between 1 cm and 2 cm (0.4 in to 0.8 in). The flowering is so abundant that it almost completely eclipses the foliage. A fruiting, with no ornamental interest, then takes over in the form of black pods measuring 2 cm to 3 cm (0.8 in to 1.2 in) in length. It is advisable to remove the fruits to avoid weakening the plant.

Cytisus decumbens appreciates sunny or very lightly shaded exposures, neutral or slightly acidic, poor and well-drained soils. However, it tolerates weakly calcareous soils. Choose its location carefully as it does not tolerate transplantations well. Creeping Broom has an excellent hardiness that allows it to withstand temperatures below -15° C (5° F). Plant in sandy soil, without adding fertiliser. If your soil is heavy, lighten it with turf, sand or gravel. Water it regularly during the growing season for the first two years after planting. Once established, it shows good drought tolerance. This shrub has a satisfactory resistance to diseases, although it may occasionally be attacked by mites. Note that the lifespan of brooms rarely exceeds 5 years. However, they are easy to maintain and not demanding, which makes them suitable for most gardens!

Creeping Broom can be used in a border, rockery or even in a large pot. It pairs well with other dryland ground cover shrubs such as Scorpion Vetch, Maiden Pink or Butterfly Lavender for a diversity of colourful flowering.