Flower Library
Broom
Genista / Cytisus · Hülsenfrüchtler (Fabaceae)
Broom is the herald of spring among flowering branches: slender, rod-like shoots densely set with small pea-like blooms. From January into May we bring it fresh from the Veiling Rhein-Maas into our Düsseldorf workshop – as fragrant white genista, as the glowing yellow classic or in modern pastel shades.
- Season
- January – February – March – April – May
- Vase life
- 7–12 days
- Latin name
- Genista / Cytisus
- Colors
- Yellow, White, Cream, Pink, Ruby red, Lilac (dyed)
Botanically, broom belongs to the legume family: the typical pea-like blooms sit like little flames packed tightly along the green rods. In the trade you mainly meet two faces – the delicately fragrant, white-flowering Genista monosperma from the Mediterranean and the colour-rich Cytisus hybrids with yellow, red or bicoloured blooms.
In floristry, broom is line material of the first order: the pliable rods lend bouquets sweep and height without weighing them down. A few branches among tulips and ranunculus, and a spring bouquet instantly gains that loose, gardenerly signature we love so much.
Quality shows in rods whose blooms are only just opening on the lower third – the branch then flowers upwards in the vase and easily lasts a week or more. Overripe stock, by contrast, sheds quickly; at the auction clock we therefore insist on fresh lots.
Stylistically the range runs from fragrant Mediterranean bridal broom in genista white to the vivid yellow that works like a ray of sunshine in late winter. Even on their own in a tall floor vase, five to seven rods make a real statement – purist, modern and surprisingly long-lasting.
Is Broom toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
All parts of the plant contain toxic quinolizidine alkaloids (including cytisine and sparteine), most concentrated in the seeds. Keep away from cats, dogs and children.
Typical symptoms: Drooling, vomiting and circulatory problems; larger amounts can cause cramps.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Give the woody rods a long, slanted cut with a sharp knife so they take up water well.
- 02Stand them in deep, clean water with flower food – flowering branches are thirstier than you would think.
- 03Place them cool and bright, but not in blazing sun or directly above a radiator.
- 04Change the water every two to three days and recut the rods; the upper buds will then open cleanly.
- 05Simply shake off dropped florets – the branch keeps flowering from the bottom upwards.
Frequently asked
- When is broom in season as a cut branch?
- From January to May. Fragrant white genista from the Mediterranean opens the season in deep winter, with yellow and coloured Cytisus varieties following into spring.
- Is broom poisonous?
- Yes. Broom contains alkaloids such as cytisine and sparteine; all parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the seeds. Keep bouquets with broom out of reach of children, cats and dogs.
- Is broom fragrant?
- White Genista monosperma has an intensely sweet, honey-like scent – a single bunch perfumes an entire room. The yellow Cytisus varieties are far more subtle.
- Why is my broom shedding in the vase?
- Usually the branch was already too far open when bought, or it is standing too warm. Freshly cut stock with plenty of closed buds, a cool spot and regular water changes keep the blooms on the branch.