Spanish broom Spartium junceum
Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to Mediterranean Basin. It grows 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) tall and 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 1.8 m (5.9 ft) apart.
Plan Spanish broom in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Spanish broom at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.8 m (5.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean Basin |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Invasive in | California, Chile, Australia, South Africa: check local rules before planting |
Is Spanish broom toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds, all parts
Contains cytisine and other alkaloids: vomiting if eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spanish broom
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Spanish broom
- How far apart should I plant Spanish broom?
- About 1.8 m (5.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft).
- Does Spanish broom need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spanish broom need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Spanish broom?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Spanish broom flower?
- From about May for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Spanish broom poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains cytisine and other alkaloids: vomiting if eaten.
- What grows well with Spanish broom?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Rush-like green stems, almost leafless; very fragrant yellow flowers. Invasive in several Mediterranean-climate regions.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis