Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Burkwood Scotch Broom, or Cytisus scoparius Burkwoodii, is a dense, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with small oval leaves, and masses of vivid-green, angular, wand-like stems reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet tall with an equal spread. These stems erupt in mid-May with fragrant, floriferous, sweet-pea shaped blooms that are deep red with lighter pink keels, just touched with edges of bright yellow. These incredible sprays are a fantastic addition to cut flower arrangements and bouquets, and these twiggy mounds are a great edition to any landscape or garden.
Native to Europe, the Burkwood Scotch Broom is an aggressive, open, upright grower with sweeping, broom-like branches. It is deer and rabbit resistant, and can tolerate windy and salty seashore climates and conditions. Bees and other critical pollinators will flock to the Burkwood Scotch Broom in spades. This plant will fill out all the way to the ground and does not require facer plants in front. It self-seeds with ease, so if you want a single specimen, be prepared to prune it just after it has finished flowering.
Burkwood Scotch Broom Care
Burkwood Scotch Broom can thrive in many types of soils, and is highly tolerant of poor soil. It is drought tolerant and excels in areas with good drainage. It prefers areas with full sun, and will suffer in partial sun or dappled shade. Water new Burkwood Scotch Broom plants weekly until they are established. They should not require fertilization.
It is best to prune your Burkwood Scotch Broom after it has finished flowering for the season to encourage optimal flowering in the coming season and lessen the production of seed pods.
Burkwood Scotch Broom Spacing
Burkwood Scotch Broom can be planted as a single specimen, or en masse in large containers or borders. It makes a beautiful and unique informal hedge, and works well planted on slopes and steep banks. Its drought tolerance makes it ideal for xeriscaping and planting in areas with limited water resources. It should be planted 4 to 6 feet apart from center to center.
Burkwood Scotch Broom Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-6 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Dry
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Red
- Flower Description
- Red
- Bloom Time
- Mid to Late Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous, Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Burkwood Scotchbroom
- Botanical Name
- CYTISUS SCOPARIUS 'BURKWOODII'
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AZ, CA, ID, MA, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!