Monosperm retama Plant Care

Monosperm retama (Retama monosperma) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Retama genus. Monosperm retama is native to the parts of the Mediterranean Basin. Monosperm retama is also known as White broom.

Monosperm retama displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Monosperm retama produces showy clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Monosperm retama 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.

Monosperm retama thrives in full sun.

Retama monosperma tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Monosperm retama prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Monosperm retama to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Monosperm retama 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 with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Monosperm retama 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.

Monosperm retama can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Monosperm retama 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.

Monosperm retama 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.

Monosperm retama can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

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Monosperm retama is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

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