Broom

Family: legumes. The softly arching stems and needle-like leaves of the broom strongly resemble the lacy green of asparagus.

Its flowers open in succession, delighting the eye with bright reds, oranges and yellows. Nowadays this plant has become widely available because it is easily propagated by stem cuttings, whereas previously it could only be admired in greenhouses.

Flowering broom can be purchased at any garden centre as early as May. When choosing a spot in the garden, note that it does not like direct sunlight, but needs warmth and protection from the wind. It requires well-drained soil in which water does not stagnate, especially in cool weather. Nevertheless it cannot develop properly without regular watering. If such conditions are provided for the broom, it will bloom profusely until late autumn. When cold weather arrives the plant can be potted and moved into a bright, cool room with a temperature of 5-12°C, and returned to the garden the following spring. Cultivars: 'Golden Flush' - with yellow flowers, 'Red Flush' - with red flowers.