Ruby Broom is a beautiful ornamental shrub that brings a burst of color to garden landscapes with its vivid flowers. This popular plant offers a dazzling display of ruby-red blooms, creating a focal point in any setting.
Understanding Ruby Broom
Ruby Broom, botanically known as Cytisus ‘Boskoop Ruby’, is a compact, deciduous flowering shrub. This cultivar originated in Boskoop, Netherlands, and is a hybrid derivative of Cytisus scoparius, commonly known as Scotch Broom. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1.5 meters (approximately 1.5 to 5 feet), presenting a rounded or vase-like form.
Its most striking feature is the profusion of small, pea-like flowers that emerge in late spring and early summer, displaying rich ruby-red or crimson hues. These vibrant blooms cover slender green stems, which remain green year-round, adding visual interest even without flowers. The small, semi-evergreen leaves are often inconspicuous, allowing the showy blossoms to dominate the plant’s appearance.
Planting Ruby Broom
Successful planting begins with selecting an appropriate site. Full sunlight is crucial for optimal flowering and overall health, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily. While it can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, full sun exposure is preferred.
Ruby Broom requires well-draining soil and performs best in sandy or loamy compositions. It tolerates poor or infertile soils and prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, typically between 6.0 and 7.0. Avoid planting in heavy clay or areas prone to standing water, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
The best time for planting is in the fall or early spring, allowing the plant to establish its root system before extreme temperatures. When planting, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant at the same depth it was in its nursery container, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Applying a layer of mulch after planting can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for Ruby Broom
Once established, Ruby Broom is a low-maintenance shrub, exhibiting resilience and drought tolerance. During its first year, consistent watering is important to help the root system develop, especially during dry periods. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent over-saturation. Mature plants typically require watering only every two to three weeks, depending on natural rainfall.
Ruby Broom has low fertilization requirements and thrives even in nutrient-poor soils. As a nitrogen-fixing plant, it can extract nitrogen from the air, often eliminating the need for supplemental feeding. However, if the plant shows signs of weak growth or reduced blooming, a balanced, slow-release, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied once annually in early spring before flowering. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength and water the plant thoroughly before application to prevent root burn.
Pruning Ruby Broom
Pruning maintains the health and aesthetic appeal of Ruby Broom, encouraging a more compact form and abundant blooms. The optimal time to prune is immediately after the plant has finished flowering in late spring or early summer. This timing allows the plant to produce new growth that will bear flowers the following season.
For routine maintenance, shorten the current season’s green shoots by about one-third to encourage bushiness and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Avoid cutting into old, brown, or leafless wood, as broom plants rarely resprout from these older stems. For rejuvenation, remove one-third of the oldest stems to the base after flowering every four to five years, repeating this over two seasons. Always use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to make clean cuts.
Important Considerations
When considering Ruby Broom, be aware of certain characteristics and regional considerations. While its parent species, Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom), is known to be invasive in some areas, particularly in North America, ‘Boskoop Ruby’ is often a sterile hybrid. This sterility means it produces little to no viable seeds, significantly reducing its invasive potential. Check with local agricultural extensions or plant lists to ensure it is not considered a problematic species in your specific region.
Ruby Broom is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8, tolerating a range of winter temperatures. The plant exhibits good resistance to most pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by aphids or spider mites, especially in hot, dry conditions, and is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Its relatively short lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, though some plants may live longer under ideal conditions. Parts of the Ruby Broom plant are also toxic if ingested.