Pineapple Broom
This attractive and tall growing shrub came to the UK from Morocco in 1922 and received an RHS First Class Certificate in 1934. It is a genus of only one species and was formerly called Cytisus battandieri.
It is best suited to be grown up against a wall both for support and, because it benefits from being in a summer hot spot. This plant grows into a multi-stemmed bush and, if you leave it freestanding on its own, it is prone to flopping over.
A. battandieri is a deciduous shrub with trifoliate grey-green leaves which are covered in silky hairs when young. The broom-like flowers are bright yellow and appear in erect clusters of about 6 inches in length in early summer. They are strongly scented of pineapple. A former relative grew her plant on a wall beside the back door and the scent into the kitchen in June was exceptional.
This plant needs acid to neutral soil and full sun in a wind sheltered position. It is drought tolerant and perfectly hardy down to -15°.
Our plants are grafted and propagation of this plant is difficult. Careful pruning back of the longer stems in the early spring will encourage new growth and more flowers but does not need to be done every year.
This is a spectacular plant in the nursery and much admired by visitors in June.
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