Spiny Broom Plant Care

Spiny Broom (Calicotome spinosa) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Calicotome genus. Spiny Broom is native to Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria and Turkey, and it has been introduced to New Zealand.

Spiny Broom displays a dense, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Spiny Broom produces small yellow pea-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

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

Spiny Broom thrives in full sun.

Calicotome spinosa tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Spiny Broom prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Spiny Broom to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spiny Broom every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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.

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

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spiny Broom is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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

Spiny Broom can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Spiny 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 tree in one year.

Spiny 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.

Spiny Broom can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to calicotome infesta plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Spiny 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.

Spiny Broom grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Spiny Broom is native to Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria and Turkey, and it has been introduced to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Spiny Broom as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.