Cytisus praecox

Cytisus x praecox is the original hybrid of the Early Broom, recognisable by its pale-yellow flowers, while most of its selected varieties have blooms with vibrant or bi-coloured hues. With a more natural appearance despite being the result of cross-breeding between two species, this broom catches attention from March onwards with the explosiveness of its flowering. The dark green thread-like stems are covered with a multitude of small papilionaceous flowers that few plants can rival. Fearing limestone, excess moisture, and strong winds, this bush is still relatively easy to grow. Its ability to bloom in the first year compensates for its rather short lifespan.

Cytisus x praecox is a hybrid between Cytisus multiflorus - with a tendency to be invasive - and Cytisus purgans (actually Cytisus oromediterraneus) - a small mountain broom with golden yellow flowers. This horticultural hybrid, born from a deliberate cross-breeding between the two aforementioned species, offers a pale-yellow flowering. Bright colours are often preferred in gardens, so many cultivated varieties have subsequently appeared, some of them being bi-coloured. However, this hybrid has its own charm and will integrate much better into a natural garden with its wild aspect, despite its horticultural origin.

Its thin, dark green stems bear very small deciduous leaves with a single or trilobed leaflet, so inconspicuous that one could mistake the plant for being evergreen. The branches create a mass effect with their clear green colour and density. In spring, they become covered with a profusion of small papilionaceous flowers typical of the Fabaceae family, the botanical family of Cytisus. Made up of a standard (the upper part) and, in the lower part, a central keel divided into two parts and two lateral wings, these small flowers of about 2cm (1in) have an undeniable charm when observed up close. Covering the plant from top to bottom, they offer an impressive spectacle in spring, with their brightness illuminating even the greyest sky.

With fairly rapid growth, this broom will reach 1.5m (5ft) in height, or even a little more, and as much or more in width. Well resistant to cold (down to -25°C (-13°F) in well-draining soil) and atmospheric pollution, its small size makes it an ideal plant for urban gardens. Provide it with the shelter of a wall to protect its beautiful flowering from strong winds. It tolerates drought once well established. Its greatest enemies are limestone and stagnant water. Under good conditions, it will bloom at the start of every spring season for about 6 to 8 years, as it is a short-lived shrub.

Faced with such abundant flowering, two tactics are possible for a successful plant association. Either plant another shrub nearby with an exciting flowering to compete with this broom, such as Japanese Quince 'Friesdorfer' with its orange flowering. For a stronger contrast, choose Prunus triloba (Chinese Almond) with its bright pink flowering. The second option is to choose a companion with a staggered flowering time. This way, it won't have to compete with this wonderful broom and will provide flowers for a longer period. In this case, choose shrubs with fairly ample foliage to contrast with the thread-like aspect of Cytisus. For example, choose purple or variegated foliage plants to stand out against the dark green of Cytisus. Weigela 'Magical Rainbow' can take over with its pink flowering in May-June.