Crimson King Broom

Crimson King Broom (Cytisus x dallimorei 'Crimson King') is a bushy evergreen shrub that covers itself in pink pea flowers in spring. It grows 1.5 to 2m tall and 1 to 1.5m wide, a brighter and more compact hybrid than the common brooms. It does best in full sun and free-draining soil, and it needs a little thought in gardens beside bushland.

Why you'll love it

• A mass of pink in spring. Pea flowers cover the shrub in spring for a brilliant display of colour.
• Bushier and more compact. As a hybrid it is bushier and more compact than a typical broom, with livelier flower colour.
• Loved by pollinators. Bees and other pollinators work the flowers through the flowering season.
• Tough in dry air. It is happy in dry air and in free-draining soil of any kind, and most cytisus are frost hardy.
• Beds, borders or pots. It suits containers as well as borders and open garden beds.

Where it works best

Sunny borders. Plant 1.2m apart at the back or middle of a sunny border. It makes a spring-flowering backdrop for lower perennials and bulbs.

Containers. A large pot with free-draining mix in full sun suits it, and trimming after flowering keeps it neat on a patio.

Dry, sunny gardens. Free-draining soil of any kind suits it, which makes it a useful colour shrub for dry beds that get full sun.

Growing Crimson King Broom in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It tolerates some shade, though flowering is reduced. Dry air suits it, which makes it a better choice for temperate and inland gardens than for humid tropical ones. Most cytisus are frost hardy, and it suits warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid gardens.

Soil. Free-draining soil of any kind. Avoid ground that stays wet.

Water and feed. Mulch, and water well while it establishes. Feed with a controlled release fertiliser three times a year, and boost with a seaweed solution if the leaves turn yellow on very poor soils.

Pruning. Trim back after flowering to promote compact growth and heavier flowering, because the shrub is slightly leggy by nature. If you garden near bushland or on rural land, remove the seedpods before they ripen.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Crimson King Broom as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Our grower supplies the tube stock and supply is not constant, so the tube shows as sold out when there is none. The notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Expect a small, upright young plant that bushes out and starts flowering as it fills out.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Flowering plants
• Frost hardy plants
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Plants for pots

Common questions

Is it a weed?

Crimson King is a named hybrid, and named hybrids are usually much less fertile than the species. One of its parents is a recognised weed, though, so if you garden in a rural area or near bushland, remove the seedpods before they ripen, check your local weed list or choose another plant.

Why is it leggy?

It is slightly leggy by habit. Trim it back after flowering to promote compact growth and a better flower display.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Brooms contain toxic compounds, especially in the seeds and pods, so keep it away from pets and children who chew plants.