Chamaecytisus spinescens Plant Care

Chamaecytisus spinescens (Chamaecytisus spinescens) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Chamaecytisus genus. Chamaecytisus spinescens is native to Southern Europe with the exclusion of Spain and Portugal, ranging from Central and South Italy to the West and South Balkan Peninsula along with the island of Crete.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chamaecytisus spinescens 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.

Chamaecytisus spinescens thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Chamaecytisus spinescens tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Chamaecytisus spinescens prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Chamaecytisus spinescens 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.

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

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.

Chamaecytisus spinescens 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.

Chamaecytisus spinescens 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.

Prune Chamaecytisus spinescens 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.

Chamaecytisus spinescens 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.

Chamaecytisus spinescens can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ruthenian broom plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Chamaecytisus spinescens is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers. 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.

Chamaecytisus spinescens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Chamaecytisus spinescens is native to Southern Europe with the exclusion of Spain and Portugal, ranging from Central and South Italy to the West and South Balkan Peninsula along with the island of Crete. In cooler regions, grow Chamaecytisus spinescens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.