Broom plants are small- to medium-sized shrubs with evergreen or deciduous foliage that grow quickly in a lax, bushy habit. Leaves are green and small, usually lanceolate. The two main species that share the common name broom are Cytisus and Genista. Both look very similar. The main difference is that Genistas are more tolerant of lime in water and soil.
Broom plants bear pea-like flowers in shades of yellow that attract pollinators. Cultivars and hybrids in a wide range of other flower colors are also available.
Broom plants are toxic to humans, and toxic to pets. If you decide to plant a broom, which can be done in the spring or fall, be aware that depending on where you live, certain broom species might be classified as invasive.
Lena Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius ‘Lena’) is a popular flowering shrub known for its vibrant display of yellow and orange blooms in spring. However this hardy plant remains attractive even after its spring flowering period ends. With its evergreen foliage and structural form Lena Scotch broom adds ornamental value to the winter landscape.
Overview of Lena Scotch Broom
Lena Scotch broom is a compact, mounded shrub that typically reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity It belongs to the Fabaceae or legume family and is a cultivar of common Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius).
This shrub features green stems and small, trifoliate leaves that remain evergreen through winter in mild climates In early to mid spring, dense spikes of pea-like flowers cover the plant. The blooms emerge bright yellow with reddish-orange keels Lena Scotch broom blooms for 4-6 weeks in spring.
Once established, Lena Scotch broom is quite drought and heat tolerant. It thrives in full sun exposure and lean, well-drained soil. As a legume, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil. This makes it a relatively low maintenance plant.
Winter Interest and Ornamental Value
While Lena Scotch broom is prized for its spring floral display, it remains an attractive garden presence after blooming finishes. Here are some of the features that give this shrub winter appeal:
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Evergreen foliage – The small, trifoliate leaves remain green through winter in USDA zones 7-9. This provides a fresh backdrop against other dormant plants.
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Structural form – With its mounded, arching branches, Lena Scotch broom has a distinct structural form even without leaves or flowers. This gives shape and structure to the winter garden.
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Colorful stems – The stems range from green to red to brown, adding variation and visual interest.
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Textural contrast – The fine, soft foliage contrasts nicely with broad-leaved evergreen shrubs and conifers.
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Wildlife habitat – The dense branching provides shelter for birds and other wildlife during the winter months.
Design Uses in the Winter Landscape
Lena Scotch broom can be incorporated into designs to elevate the winter landscape:
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Use as a colorful focal point in a mixed border or island bed. Allow it to showcase its form by siting it in front of darker evergreens.
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Feature it in a winter container arrangement along with dogwood stems, evergreen boughs, dried grasses and red twig dogwood for multi-season interest.
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Plant as an informal hedge or screen to add year-round texture and natural appeal to a property line or divider.
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Use as part of a wildflower meadow planting that offers winter structure. Combine with ornamental grasses and asters.
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Feature it in mass plantings to make a bold winter statement with its collective form and color.
Caring for Lena Scotch Broom in Winter
Lena Scotch broom requires minimal care to look its best in winter:
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Water occasionally during warm, dry spells if rainfall is insufficient. Avoid overwatering.
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just before new growth emerges.
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Prune lightly after flowering to shape and maintain a dense, rounded form. Avoid shearing.
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Check for damage after ice storms or heavy snow and prune damaged branches as needed.
With its vibrant spring flowers and evergreen foliage, Lena Scotch broom puts on a show in every season. It remains ornamental even in its flowerless winter state thanks to its colorful stems, wild branching form, soft foliage and ability to provide habitat. Incorporating this hardy, easy-care shrub can add multi-season interest to gardens and landscapes across a wide range of climates.
Broom Types
There are numerous broom species, cultivars, and hybrids. Popular ones include:
Cytisus Varieties
- Cytisus x kewensis (Kew broom) reaches 2 feet tall and is ideal for rock gardens. This wide, low-growing shrub displays pale yellow to creamy white flowers in spring.
- Cytisus x spachianus (sweet broom) is a hybrid with bright yellow, sweetly fragrant flowers in late spring.
- Cytisus x Lena (Lena scotch broom) a dwarf variety that grows 4 feet tall. Foliage is deep green and flowers are ruby red and yellow through spring and early summer.
- Cytisus x praecox (Warminster broom) is a hybrid that grows to 5 feet tall offering pale yellow flowers in early May.
- Cytisus scoparius (common broom, Scotch broom) puts on a long show of yellow flowers on its 5-foot reach from May to June. There are several cultivars of the species. Cornish Cream has ivory cream and yellow flowers. Goldfinch is crimson and yellow with pink and yellow wings. Killiney Red is a smaller, compact variety with red blooms. Burkwoodii reaches between 5 and 7 feet tall, with crimson flowers in late spring.
- Cytisus racemosus nana (dwarf yellow broom) reaches about 5 feet in height and also grows well in containers. It has so many yellow flowers from spring to summer they nearly cover the whole plant.
Scotch Broom in bloom in Winter
FAQ
How do you take care of a Scotch broom in the winter?
Scotch broom cannot tolerate wet areas. Fertilizing: Little fertilizer is needed. Winterizing: No special treatment is required; leave intact and avoid areas that are wet in winter. Maintenance & Pruning: Blooms on old wood, which means that any pruning should be done after bloom.
Is Scotch broom cold hardiness?
☀️ Scotch Broom Hardiness Zones: 5a-8b. Scotch broom thrives in zones 5a-8b, tolerating temperatures from -20°F to 100°F. ❄️ Frost dates matter – protect young plants to ensure healthy growth and flowering.
Is Lena Scotch broom evergreen?
An eye-catching evergreen shrub with an interesting texture. Abundant sprays of fragrant, lemon-yellow and ruby red flowers cover its slender, green stems. The leaves are tiny and inconspicuous.
Do you cut back Scotch broom in the fall?
The first rule for pruning a scotch broom shrub involves timing. Although broken or diseased branches can be pruned off at any time of the year, size or shape pruning should only be undertaken in late spring, immediately after flowering.