English Broom


Photo: Lorna Rose		English Broom Cytisus scoparius Trees and Shrubs Western Australia Region

	This shrub to 4 m high is a declared noxious weed in SA, WA, and parts of NSW, VIC and Tasmania. It has bright yellow pea-type flowers that persist over summer. English broom is a native of western Europe and has now spread across many temperate areas of the world. It is also a threat to environmental, forestry and grazing land in higher rainfall areas of Australia.

HOW IT SPREADS Each flower produces a pod of five to eight seeds. The summer ripened seeds explode from the pod as a scattering mechanism. Seed is carried by livestock, humans and the movement of soil or by floodwaters. The seeds are viable for a long time contributing to succeeding generations of plants. Avoid growing the Cape Broom (Genista monspessulana) or Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum) for the same reasons. This plant can arrive in your garden as an uninvited guest. Please resist the temptation to let it remain and dig it out!

Alternative Plants


Photo: Tops Nursery		Coral Plant Russelia equisetiformis 'Tangerine Falls' Climbing and Ground Cover Plants

	This small evergreen shrub to 1.5 m high is grown for its showy pendant clusters of orange tubular flowers. These appear in abundance from spring to late autumn along its wiry rush like stems. Its pendulous habit makes it an ideal specimen for hanging baskets, decorative tubs and spilling over a wall. Ideal in full-sun to part-shade.

Photo: Corinne Hampel		Glowing Wattle Acacia celastrifolia Trees and Shrubs

	This is one of the most beautiful wattles with golden yellow ball-shaped flowers appearing from July to October. This Western Australian species will grow 2–4 m high by 1.5–2 m wide. It requires well-drained soil in a full-sun position. Suitable for coastal planting if sheltered from strong winds. Light pruning is recommended to maintain a compact shape.

Photo: Delwyn Thomas		Grevillea 'Fire Sprite' Grevillea 'Fire Sprite Trees and Shrubs

	A fast growing shrub to 4 m high with deeply lobed, bright green leaves. Burnt red and orange/green bird attracting flowers appear in abundance from June to October, with scattered flowers throughout the remainder of the year. Fast growing and hardy in moist well drained soils in full-sun. Pruning maintains denseness and encourages flowering.