Cytisus praecox Albus

Cytisus praecox 'Albus', also known as early broom, forms a well-branched and compact bush, which is highly floriferous. From March, it produces an abundance of white flowers.

This 1.2m (4ft) tall broom develops a branched, dense habit, but with a light appearance due to the sparsity of its leaves. The flexible and woody stems bear deciduous, single, alternate, narrow, silky, green leaves, 6 to 10mm (0.2 to 0.4in) in length. From March, highly fragranced white papilionaceous flowers of about 2cm (1in) in length, gather in clusters. Then fruits develop into black pods. The fruit pods can stain whatever they fall on, so prune the bush after flowering.

Easy to grow, Cytisus praecox 'Albus' adapts well to any light and well-drained soil, preferably slightly acidic, in a sunny location. Not demanding, it will be satisfied with a severe pruning after flowering to avoid fruiting which quickly exhausts the plant. This also helps to maintain a compact habit that does not become bare at the base.

Plant Cytisus praecox 'Albus' in rockeries, slopes, and wild gardens, alongside dwarf conifers, spindles, and perennial geraniums.