Cytisus scoparius Golden Tears

Cytisus scoparius 'Golden Tears' is a unique variety of broom, whose silhouette resembles a miniature weeping tree. This bush creates a magnificent spectacle in full bloom, as it is covered with large golden flowers. Its beauty makes it a popular choice for decorating the entrance of a house, an urban terrace, or the centre of a small bed in a well-maintained garden.

Cytisus scoparius 'Golden Tears' owes its name to its unique appearance. It is a horticultural selection derived from broom, a bush in the Fabaceae family. This botanical species is a hardy but short-lived shrub, native to central and eastern Europe (up to Ukraine) and widespread to North Africa. This plant is found in dry places, on rather acidic and siliceous soils. 

The 'Golden Tears' variety develops a small trunk topped with branches composed of thin green trailing stems. Ultimately, the plant measures about 1.1m (4ft) in all directions. The flexible, arched stems bear tiny deciduous, trifoliate, alternate, 8 to 15mm (0.3 to 1in) long, narrow, green leaves. They fall early after flowering. In May-June, sometimes as early as April depending on the climate, its yellow papilionaceous flowers bloom, measuring 2cm (1in) in diameter. Each flower consists of an upper petal and lower petals. These pea-flowers bloom in clusters, mostly at the terminal part of the branches. Pollinated by bees, they give way to flat, black pod-shaped fruits. The fruit pods can stain whatever they fall on, so prune the bush after flowering. The lifespan of this plant is quite short, around 5 to 8 years.

'Golden Tears' deserves to be seen in spring, as close to the house as possible, in the centre of a bed created specifically for it in a small garden, or in a beautiful pot on a terrace. It can be planted in the sun with many small plants with spring or summer flowering: mouse-ear, yarrow, or lady's mantle, for example. The blue of forget-me-nots will temper its display of sunny flowers; shrubby salvias and perennial geraniums create beautiful, maintenance-free floral scenes with it.

Tip: After pruning, use the cut stems to make good garden brooms.