Moroccan Broom Plant Care

Argyrocytisus battandieri (Maire) J.Raynal

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Argyrocytisus battandieri, the pineapple broom or Moroccan broom is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. It is the only member of the genus Argyrocytisus.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Moroccan Broom?

Plant Moroccan Broom in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Moroccan Broom?

Moroccan Broom (Argyrocytisus battandieri) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Argyrocytisus genus.

Moroccan Broom displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Moroccan Broom produces showy pea-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or red.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Moroccan Broom?

Water a young or newly planted Moroccan Broom every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Moroccan Broom Need?

Moroccan Broom thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Moroccan Broom Prefer?

Argyrocytisus battandieri tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Moroccan Broom prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Moroccan Broom?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Moroccan Broom to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Moroccan Broom?

Feed Moroccan Broom every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Moroccan Broom?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Moroccan Broom is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Moroccan Broom?

Moroccan Broom can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Moroccan Broom?

Prune Moroccan Broom while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Moroccan Broom in Winter?

Moroccan Broom is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Moroccan Broom?

Moroccan Broom can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering.

Is the Moroccan Broom Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Moroccan Broom, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Moroccan Broom?

Moroccan Broom is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Moroccan Broom Need?

Moroccan Broom grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Moroccan Broom as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Moroccan Broom is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Argyrocytisus genus — compare its care with other Argyrocytisus species on PlantoScan.

Argyrocytisus is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

Moroccan Broom thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Argyrocytisus battandieri (Maire) J.Raynal, family Fabaceae (first published in Bull. Soc. Bot. France 121: 360 (1974 publ. 1975)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Moroccan Broom, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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