Hairy Broom Plant Care

Hairy Broom (Calicotome villosa) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Calicotome genus. Hairy Broom is native to the Mediterranean region. Hairy Broom is also known as Spiny Broom.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hairy 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.

Hairy Broom thrives in full sun.

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

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

Feed Hairy 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.

Hairy 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.

Hairy 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 Hairy 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.

Hairy 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.

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

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Hairy 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.

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