Cytisus scoparius Moyclare Pink

Cytisus scoparius 'Moyclare Pink' is a charming variety of broom, forming a flexible mass covered in pleasantly scented pastel pink flowers in late spring. This fast-growing shrub can be grown in a large container or in the ground, in light, poor, even sandy, soil. 'Moyclare Pink' is a standout variety, to be highlighted in a large rockery, in a border, or on a sunny slope. 

Cytisus scoparius 'Moyclare Pink' belongs to the large Fabaceae family. It is a horticultural cultivar that is relatively uncommon in our gardens. Like all broom bushes, it is derived from Cytisus scoparius, a hardy but short-lived bush native to central (up to Ukraine) and eastern Europe, extending to North Africa. This species is found in fairly dry places, on rather acidic and siliceous soils, rich in sand.        

'Moyclare Pink' has a bushy, yet flexible and light appearance, due to its slightly arched stems. When mature, the plant can reach a height of 1.4m (5ft) with a spread of 1.2m (4ft). Its thin, flexible, arched stems remain green even in winter. They briefly bear a few small, simple, alternate leaves at the beginning of spring, measuring 5 to 10mm (0.2 to 0.4in) in length. Depending on the climate, flowering occurs from late April to early June. Its papilionaceous flowers are 2cm (1in) long, with pale pink flowers and cream wings, blooming almost all along the branches. After pollination, black pod-shaped fruits form. The fruit pods can stain whatever they fall on, so prune the bush after flowering. This plant has a relatively short lifespan, around 5 to 8 years.

Cytisus 'Moyclare Pink' deserves to be seen in spring. Plant it near the house, on a large slope, or in the centre of a shrub bed. It can be planted with many shrubs with staggered foliage or flowering times: dwarf conifers (Juniperus horizontalis, Abies balsamea 'Nana', white spruces), a shrubby peony, a small lilac (Syringa microphylla 'Superba'), landscaping roses, or an evergreen ceanothus whose blue flowering complements its abundance of pastel flowers. Deciduous or evergreen small spindle trees, shrubby salvias, and perennial geraniums create beautiful, low-maintenance flowering scenes in a wild garden.

Tip: After pruning, use the cut stems to make good garden brooms.