Every gardener has had the experience of excitedly planting a new area of the landscape, only to discover a year or two later that too many plants were crammed into one small space. Broom (Cystisus spp.) is one of those plants that can take you by surprise with its fast growth rate. Growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, depending on the variety, brooms can grow from a tiny seedling to more than 6 feet tall in two years. With their profuse displays of golden yellow flowers, they are worth keeping if there's a suitable place to relocate them.
Cut back the main stem of the broom to about 50 percent of height of the plant. This reduces the amount of water loss through the leaf surfaces, helping the plant recover quickly from transplanting. Leave some of the lanky small branches long so they can cover the harsh appearance of the main stem to prevent the broom from looking unkempt after being cut.
Tie up the loose side branches into a bundle with twine. This will get them out of the way and make it much easier to dig out the rootball.
Slice into the soil with a shovel, making a circle around the main stem about 24 inches in diameter for mature plants. This is necessary to cut all the lateral roots, but do not pry up on the root ball at this time. For younger specimens, the circle of cut roots can be proportionally smaller.
Pry gently with the shovel on all sides of the root ball to break the roots that anchor the broom from below. If the main trunk is sturdy enough, push on it to give added leverage for breaking the last of the roots. Eventually the root ball should come free.
Lay the broom down on one side and slide a sheet of burlap under the root ball. With the help of several people, use the four corners of the burlap to lift or drag the broom to its new location.
Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and about twice as wide. Set the plant in the hole and cut the twine to release the branches. Make sure the trunk is straight, and rotate it to orient the best-looking side in the direction where it will be viewed most often.
Pack the excavated soil firmly around the root ball to eliminate any air pockets around the roots. Cover all the roots with soil, but do not pile soil against the trunk.
Water thoroughly after transplanting. Continue to irrigate weekly for the first growing season only. Afterward, the broom should need little or no supplementary water, except in the most arid environments.
Things You Will Need
- Hand pruners
- Bypass loppers
- Burlap sheet
- Fall is the best time to transplant broom, so it has the entire winter and spring to recover before the heat of summer arrives.
- Brooms bloom best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plants adapt to a wide range of soil types and even thrive in poor, dry soils. Constantly moist soil is the one exception -- avoid planting in swampy terrain.
- Water the ground around the broom the day before transplanting to soften the soil to make transplanting easier. The moisture also makes the soil stick to the roots better, helping to minimize transplant shock.
- Broom can be a highly invasive species in some regions. Check with the cooperative extension service office to be sure broom is safe to plant.
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