Scotch broom, or Cytisus scoparius, is a pretty bush that is known for its bright yellow flowers in the spring. But if you don’t keep it in check, it can quickly get out of hand and take over your garden. Scotch broom needs to be pruned regularly to stay in check. Today, we’re going to talk about when, how, and why to cut back this invasive plant.
Why Prune Scotch Broom?
There are a few key reasons you may want to prune your scotch broom
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To maintain size and shape. If you don’t prune your Scotch broom, it can get quite big—up to 10 feet tall! Pruning keeps it at a good size for your garden.
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To promote healthy growth. Trimming back old wood encourages new, vigorous growth.
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To remove dead or damaged branches Pruning out disease and pests stops them from spreading
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To control spread. Scotch broom spreads aggressively. Pruning helps prevent it from taking over.
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To improve flower display. Pruning at the right time maximizes flowers.
When to Prune Scotch Broom
Timing is critical when pruning scotch broom. To keep the plant’s size and shape, prune it right after flowering in late spring. This is when the plant makes buds for the flowers that will bloom next year. Cutting back trees at the wrong time, like in the fall or winter, will drastically cut down on flowers.
You can remove dead or damaged branches at any time of year. But for overall pruning, late spring is best.
How to Prune Scotch Broom
Follow these simple steps for pruning scotch broom:
1. Remove Dead Wood
Take off any branches that are sick or dead and cut back to healthy wood. Sterilize your pruning tools first to avoid spreading disease.
2. Cut Back Old Growth
Prune back any old wood until you see fresh, new green leaves emerging. This stimulates new growth.
3. Thin Out Branches
Selectively remove crossing, damaged, or awkward branches. Use hand pruners for smaller stems and loppers for thicker wood.
4. Reduce Height
If your shrub is too tall, you can cut it back by 1/3 its height. But never remove more than 25% in one year.
5. Clean Up Debris
Safely dispose of all clippings so they don’t re-sprout.
Pruning Tips
Follow these best practices when pruning scotch broom:
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Wear gloves to protect your hands from scratches.
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Use clean, sterilized, sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts.
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Cut at a 45 degree angle just above a leaf node.
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Don’t leave stubs – these invite pests and diseases.
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Never remove more than 25% of growth in one year.
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Take your time and don’t rush the job.
When to Start Pruning Scotch Broom
For best results, begin pruning scotch broom while plants are still young. This encourages bushy, compact growth rather than long, leggy stems. Prune lightly each year, rather than severely pruning overgrown plants.
Alternative to Pruning: Removing Scotch Broom
Since scotch broom is highly invasive in many areas, some gardeners opt to remove it altogether. Cutting alone is not effective since its seeds sprout easily. Combining pruning with digging up roots can help fully eradicate scotch broom over time. Always check first if scotch broom is banned in your region.
With its bright yellow blooms, scotch broom adds vibrant color in spring. But its aggressive growth habit means it requires vigilant pruning and maintenance. Follow these tips to prune scotch broom correctly and keep this invasive shrub under control in your garden. Consistent pruning encourages healthy, compact growth, improves flower display, and prevents unwanted spread.
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