Broom (Genista): A Bright But Controversial Garden Choice
If you’ve ever been dazzled by masses of golden-yellow flowers carpeting a hillside in late spring, you’ve likely encountered broom (Genista). This eye-catching shrub has found its way into gardens across North America, though its story is a bit more complicated than its cheerful blooms might suggest.
What Is Broom?
Broom is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13 to 16 feet in height. True to its shrub nature, it develops several stems that emerge from or near the ground, creating a bushy, often somewhat wild appearance that can add character to any landscape.
The plant goes simply by broom, though this common name is shared with several related species. What sets Genista apart is its spectacular display of bright yellow, pea-shaped flowers that appear in spring and early summer, creating a stunning visual impact that’s hard to ignore.
Where Does Broom Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting: broom isn’t actually native to North America. This Mediterranean native has made itself quite at home across both Canada and the United States, establishing populations that reproduce and persist without any help from gardeners. It’s currently found across a wide range of states and provinces, from California to Nova Scotia, and from Oregon down to Mississippi.
The Garden Appeal
So why do gardeners fall for broom? The reasons are pretty compelling:
- Stunning spring display: The masses of bright yellow flowers create an almost magical effect
- Drought tolerance: Once established, broom laughs at dry conditions
- Low maintenance: This isn’t a fussy plant that demands constant attention
- Pollinator magnet: Bees and other pollinators absolutely love the flowers
- Soil improvement: Like other legumes, broom can fix nitrogen in the soil
Growing Broom Successfully
If you decide to grow broom, here’s how to keep it happy:
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun is essential for the best flowering
- Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial – broom hates wet feet
- Fertility: Surprisingly, poor to moderately fertile soils work best
- Climate: Generally hardy in USDA zones 5-9
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Water regularly the first year, then reduce watering significantly
- Prune lightly after flowering if needed, but avoid heavy pruning
- Skip the fertilizer – rich soils can actually reduce flowering
- Be patient – it may take a couple of years to really hit its stride
The Responsible Gardener’s Dilemma
While broom can be a stunning addition to the right garden, it’s worth noting that this non-native plant has already established itself in the wild across much of North America. As responsible gardeners, we should consider whether there might be native alternatives that could provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
If you live in an area where broom is already naturalized and you love its look, growing it in your garden isn’t necessarily problematic. However, consider pairing it with or substituting native flowering shrubs that can provide similar spring color and pollinator benefits while supporting local wildlife more effectively.
Is Broom Right for Your Garden?
Broom works best in:
- Mediterranean-style gardens
- Xeriscapes and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Rock gardens
- Slopes where erosion control is needed
- Areas where you want dramatic spring color with minimal maintenance
Avoid broom if you have heavy, poorly-draining soil, very shaded conditions, or if you prefer plants that provide significant wildlife habitat beyond just pollinator benefits.
The Bottom Line
Broom is undeniably beautiful and remarkably easy to grow in the right conditions. Its drought tolerance and spectacular spring display make it an attractive option for many gardens. However, as with any non-native plant, it’s worth weighing its benefits against the potential advantages of choosing native alternatives that might provide similar aesthetic appeal while better supporting local ecosystems.
Whether you choose to grow broom or explore native alternatives, the key is making an informed decision that aligns with your gardening goals and environmental values. After all, the best garden is one that brings you joy while being thoughtful about its broader impact.
