Moonlight Scotchbroom

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

5-8 Feet

Mature Spread

4-5 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Cytisus scoparius 'Moonlight' is a tough shrub that can brighten challenging landscape sites. Commonly known as moonlight Scotch Broom, it is smothered in buttery yellow pea-like flowers in the spring. The flowers are delicately fragrant and attractive to pollinators. The tiny emerald leaves are shimmery and semi-evergreen in warmer climates. This shrub is compact and easy to grow. 

This is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with arching branches and a mounding shape. It will grow to 5 - 8 feet high and 4 - 5 feet wide. It tolerates poor soil, dry conditions, urban pollution, and salt spray. Deer don’t usually bother with it. ‘Moonlight’ appears to be sterile and will not spread like the species plant. Use this workhorse in a mixed border, uniform hedge, or as an accent plant. 

Moonlight Scotch Broom Care

Grow this shrub in plenty of sunlight, with at least 6 hours of direct sun. It requires well-drained soil and will die in standing water. It is not particular about soil conditions and can handle clay, sandy, and infertile sites. Water it weekly or more during the first summer until its roots establish. It will become drought tolerant and can be used in xeriscaping. 

Prune after blooming in the spring by removing dead and damaged branches. You can also cut the oldest stems to the ground, but do not remove more than one-third of the volume.  This thinning helps to improve air circulation and promote fresh, healthy growth. 

Moonlight Scotch Broom Spacing

For planting a uniform hedge, space these shrubs approximately 4 feet apart on center. Increase the distance if a gap between plants is desired. This shrub does not perform well in containers.