Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Best in sandy or gravelly soils. Tolerates poor soils. Site in a protected location in the St. Louis area where plants may not be reliably winter hardy. Best left undisturbed once planted. Needs minimal pruning.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Cytisus × kewensis is a cultivated hybrid broom resulting from a cross between C. ardoini and C. multiflorus. It was discovered at Kew Gardens in England near the end of the 19th century. It is a semi-prostrate, deciduous shrub that typically grows to 1’ tall but spreads to 5’ wide. It features small, 3-palmate (occasionally single) leaves (to 1/ 2” long) and axillary racemes of aromatic, pea-like, white to pale yellow flowers on arching branches in late spring. Grayish-green twigs.
Genus name comes from the Greek word kytisos used by the Greeks for several kinds of woody legumes.
The hybrid name kewensis honors Kew Gardens where this hybrid was developed.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for blights and leaf spot.
Uses
Good plant for poor soils. Good for erosion control on slopes. Rock gardens. Ground cover.