Even an easy-care broom needs a little attention in the form of pruning every now and then. It won't die without it, but its appearance sometimes leaves a lot to be desired. So grab the pruning shears from time to time.

Regular pruning promotes flowering

Does gorse have to be cut regularly?

Regular pruning is highly recommended for gorse. This will keep the plant healthy and thriving. Over time, the broom tends to become woody and no longer flowers on these woody shoots. After a few years, your broom will only flower in the upper part, while the lower part will become increasingly bare.

When is the best time to prune my gorse?

Your broom can be pruned in both spring and autumn. An annual cut is usually sufficient, alternatively every three to four years. Ideally, do it after flowering in June.

Although the real broom (bot. Genista) is quite hardy, a (young) shoot freezes from time to time. So always check your broom for dry branches in spring and remove them immediately.

Can gorse tolerate a radical pruning?

The gorse is quite robust and can also tolerate a fairly radical pruning. However, this should not be done too often. You can trim your gorse to about 35 to 40 centimeters about every three to five years.

Make sure, however, that at least one branch remains. The plant will then sprout again in a bushy manner. A radical cut should not take place in late autumn, otherwise the gorse is threatened with frost damage. The exception to this rule is a gorse in a pot or tub. However, it should then overwinter frost-free.

Worth knowing about the pruning of the broom:

  • possible: in early spring and/or autumn
  • annually or every 3 to 4 years
  • ideal: after flowering in June
  • Always remove frozen and diseased shoots as soon as possible

tips

Regular pruning not only keeps your broom healthy, it also ensures lush flowering.

Category:

Herbs