Cytisus scoparius Apricot Gem

Cytisus 'Apricot Gem', sometimes called Broom, is a medium-sized bushy shrub with numerous upright branches. Featuring a generous colourful flowering in June-July, this broom reveals soft colours in a variety of shades ranging from golden-yellow to red-orange. Hardy, drought-resistant, and easy to maintain, this broom has everything to charm the most demanding gardeners. It will even find its place in a container on a terrace, or a balcony, where it will provide glorious colour.

Resulting from hybridisation, the 'Apricot Gem' variety is characterised by its medium size, about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in height and spread. With its bushy habit, dense and upright branches, this robust shrub has a graceful silhouette. Its numerous branches are rigid, angular, pubescent, and slender. They remain green throughout the year and bear deciduous foliage composed of small alternate leaves about 2 cm (0.8 in) long, which are simple or trifoliate.

In June and July, Cytisus 'Apricot Gem' is covered with a multitude of small multicoloured butterfly-like flowers, which are golden-yellow edged with red at the centre, and topped with apricot-orange petals. This slightly scented flowering attracts butterflies and bees. It occurs on the previous year's wood. Therefore, be careful with severe pruning that could compromise the appearance of the flowers. A fruiting, in the form of black pods, then takes over. It is advisable to remove them in order not to unnecessarily tire the shrub. Broom species are so named because their dry branches were once used to make brooms. Do not hesitate to keep the pruned branches to make a very effective tool for cleaning your outdoor spaces. Also note the ability of Cytisus scoparius to fix nitrogen and thus improve soil quality.

Like all brooms, Cytisus 'Apricot Gem' is very hardy but has a short lifespan of about 5 years. This species is found in dry places, on rather acidic and siliceous soils. It appreciates sunny exposures, and poor and well-drained soils, which are neutral or slightly acidic. However, it tolerates weakly calcareous soils. Choose its location carefully as it does not tolerate transplanting well. Cytisus scoparius has excellent hardiness, allowing 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 first two years of planting. Once established, it has good drought tolerance.

Thanks to its medium size and dense upright silhouette, Cytisus 'Apricot Gem' can be used in multiple ways. It will find its place in a varied hedge, a flower bed, or a rock garden. Pair it with sun-loving, dry and poor soil shrubs with staggered flowering. Accompanied by a Montpellier Rockrose for its evergreen foliage and spring flowering, or an 'Atlantic' Strawberry Tree for its compact habit and beautiful red berries in autumn, it will contribute to creating a colourful and lively scene. It is also suitable for container gardening, allowing you to enjoy its beautiful peach-coloured flowering on your patio or balcony!