On Wed, 07 May 2003 19:50:50 GMT, "Zizz" wrote:


"Chris Hogg" wrote in message
.. .
On Thu, 27 Mar 2003 21:09:37 GMT, "Zizz"
wrote:

I've a spanish broom that's about 5ft tall and about as wide that I'm a
bit
worried about.

RHS A-Z Encyclopedia confirms Janet's comments about transplanting the
common broom, cytisus ('...they resent transplanting'). However, they
don't make any similar comment for Spanish broom, Spartium juniceum,
so you might get away with it. But they also say that to renovate
older specimens, cut back to the ground in spring, which suggests it
tolerates hard pruning, so moving it may not be necessary.


I found this:

Succeeds in any well-drained but not too fertile soil in a sunny position[200]. Prefers a
lime free soil according to one report[1] whilst another says that it thrives on alkaline
and poor sandy soils[200]. Very wind resistant, tolerating maritime exposure[166, 200].
Tolerates atmospheric pollution[200] and thrives on hot dry banks[11, 166].
A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to between -10 and -18°c when in a suitable
position[200].
The flowers have a fragrance that has been likened to oranges[245].
Plants can become leggy if grown in a sheltered position or too rich a soil[200], but they
can be pruned almost to the ground and will resprout from the base[K]. They can also be
trimmed in early spring in order to keep them more compact[188].
Plants are intolerant of root disturbance, they are best grown in pots and planted out
into their permanent positions whilst still small[11]. Plants often self-sow in
Britain[1].
Rabbits love eating this plant when it is young[1, K].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form
nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by
the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

I have one recently purchased too. Hot and dry.

Huss

--
Chris

E-mail: christopher[dot]hogg[at]virgin[dot]net

Apologies for the late reply .... Pruning back down to the ground would mean
cutting into old wood and I read that it's not something to do!
The plant is about 5 feet tall of which 2 1/2 ft is old wood ... it's now
got its spring buds on ... I think I'll see how summer goes and when it
seems to have died down a bit (it flowered 2x last year .. spring and early
autumn) to try and re-seat it with a good helping of bonemeal by way of
apologies.
L


Grow a little garden

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