Lena Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius 'Lena') is a colorful flowering shrub known for its vibrant, two-toned blooms and fine-textured green stems. Growing approximately 3-4 feet tall and wide, it develops a dense, rounded habit covered with an impressive display of yellow, orange, and deep red flowers in late spring to early summer. Its slender stems and small leaves provide a light, airy texture even after flowering has finished.
Lena Scotch Broom is an excellent choice for sunny borders, slopes, rock gardens, mass plantings, or as a colorful accent. It thrives in dry, well-drained soils and is highly drought tolerant once established, making it particularly useful for hot, difficult planting locations where many other shrubs struggle.
More About Lena Scotch Broom
- Low Maintenance
- Moderate Growing
- Deciduous Flowering Shrub
- Highly Drought Tolerant Once Established
- Mixed Border, Accent, Mass Planting, Rock Garden, Slopes
- Dense, Rounded Habit
- Showy Multi-Colored Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Deer Resistant
Height: 3-4 Feet
Spread: 3-4 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Characteristics
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
- Season of Interest: Spring, Early Summer
- Soil Moisture: Dry to Average, Well Draining
- Attributes: Upright, Rounded, Fine Textured
- Foliage Color: Green
- Flower Color: Yellow, Orange, Red
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun for the best flowering and most compact growth. Lena Scotch Broom prefers well-drained soil and performs especially well in sandy, gravelly, or relatively poor soils. Avoid wet or poorly drained locations.
Watering:
Water regularly during the first growing season while the root system becomes established. Once established, Scotch Broom is very drought tolerant and generally prefers slightly drier conditions rather than consistently wet soil.
Fertilizing:
Very little fertilizer is required. Scotch Broom performs well in lean soils, and excessive fertilizer can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning:
Prune lightly immediately after flowering if needed to maintain a compact, attractive shape. Avoid cutting heavily into old, woody stems, as Scotch Broom may not regenerate well from old wood.
State Restrictions: Scotch Broom is restricted or prohibited in certain states, including Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, and Maryland. Please check your local regulations before purchasing.
