As a very easy-care and robust shrub, the gorse is often planted in the garden because it flowers very beautifully and requires little or no work. Different theses can be read about its winter hardiness. Why?
Real gorse is very hardy
Are all types of broom equally tolerant of frost?
On the one hand, broom is a genus of plants with different species, on the other hand, completely different plants that can have completely different needs are traded under this name. Not all of them are equally hardy. Some tolerate at least a little frost, others none at all. It is therefore very important that you know which gorse you have or intend to buy.
The winter hardiness of different types of broom:
- Broom (bot. Cytisus scoparius): conditionally hardy
- Broom (bot. Calicotome spinosa): not hardy
- True broom (bot. Genista): hardy
- Gorse (bot. Ulex europaeus): hardy
How should I care for gorse in winter?
The real broom (bot. Genista) and also the gorse (bot. Ulex europaeus) do not usually need any special winter protection, it is only recommended for young plants. However, they should not be cut back too late in autumn, as the interfaces are somewhat sensitive. Likewise, broom should not necessarily be planted in autumn so that it can still root well before winter.
The non-hardy thorn broom (bot. Calicotome spinosa) overwinters frost-free in a cool greenhouse or in your conservatory, provided it is not too warm there. It originally comes from the Mediterranean region and is adapted to the local climate.
In the case of the conditionally hardy broom (bot. Cytisus scoparius), protection outdoors is sufficient, at least in an area with mild winters, so that it does not freeze to death. However, it does not always survive long and particularly cold periods of frost. The bush often freezes back down to the trunk, which means it can still be saved. However, you shouldn't aim for that.
tips
It is best to inquire about frost tolerance or at least the botanical name of your broom when you buy it, so that you can find out for yourself.