Cytisus × Boskoopii Boskoop Ruby or Broom Boskoop Ruby

Botanical Name: Cytisus × boskoopii 'Boskoop Ruby'
Synonyms: Cytisus × beanii 'Boskoop Ruby', Cytisus 'Boskoop Ruby'
Common Name: Broom Boskoop Ruby
Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)

Cytisus boskoopii Boskoop Ruby, also known simply as Broom Boskoop Ruby, is a striking deciduous shrub valued for its profusion of rich, crimson-red blooms in late spring to early summer. Compact in habit and highly ornamental, this cultivar is ideal for smaller gardens, mixed borders, or low-maintenance landscapes. With its vivid floral display, upright shoots, and refined green foliage, Cytisus Boskoop Ruby brings both structure and seasonal drama to a planting scheme. As a recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this is a reliable and rewarding plant for UK gardens.

Cytisus boskoopii Boskoop Ruby is a compact, bushy shrub with a naturally rounded form. Its foliage comprises small, trifoliate leaves— typically soft green and oval-shaped — providing a fine texture that complements the vivid flower display. What truly sets this variety apart is the abundance of deep crimson to ruby-red flowers that completely smother the upright shoots from late spring into early summer. The blossoms are pea-like in shape, typical of members of the pea family (Fabaceae), and they draw the eye with their intensity and density.

These blooms often have subtle flashes of gold or maroon on the wings, creating additional visual interest when viewed up close. The floral performance of Cytisus Boskoop Ruby is particularly showy compared to paler varieties such as Cytisus praecox ‘Albus’ (White Broom), which offers a more delicate and understated colour palette. In contrast, Broom Boskoop Ruby is bold and vibrant—perfect for adding drama to a garden composition.

Height and Width of Cytisus Boskoop Ruby:
Broom Boskoop Ruby typically reaches a height and spread of around 1 metre (3.3 feet), making it well-suited to compact spaces, city gardens, or the front of a sunny border. Its neat form requires minimal pruning, making it a popular choice for low-maintenance planting schemes.

How Hardy is Cytisus Boskoop Ruby?
Broom Boskoop Ruby is fully hardy in the UK, tolerating temperatures down to approximately -15°C (RHS H5 rating). Once established, it is also drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for dry or free-draining soils, especially in coastal or exposed gardens.

Uses in Garden and Landscape
Broom Boskoop Ruby is ideal for a wide range of settings. Use it as a striking focal shrub in spring borders, in gravel gardens, rockeries, or even low hedging. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, sun-loving perennials, and other spring-flowering shrubs. Its modest size and bold flowering also make it perfect for plant container displays, especially in smaller gardens or patios.

Care Tips
Cytisus Boskoop Ruby thrives in full sun and well-drained, preferably poor or moderately fertile soil. It dislikes overly rich or heavy clay conditions. To maintain its shape and promote flowering the following year, prune lightly just after flowering—avoid cutting into old wood, as it does not readily regenerate.

Minimal feeding is required, and in fact, Brooms tend to perform better in lean soils. Water young plants during prolonged dry spells, but established shrubs generally require little intervention. Propagation is usually done via semi-ripe cuttings.

Cytisus × boskoopii is a hybrid species, believed to originate from crosses between Cytisus multiflorus and Cytisus scoparius. The ‘Boskoop Ruby’ selection stands out for its compact habit and unusually deep red blooms, making it a bolder alternative to pastel or yellow-toned varieties. It is a great option for gardeners looking to inject vivid colour into spring plantings without compromising on hardiness or ease of care.

For a vivid splash of ruby red in spring and a fuss-free garden performer, Cytisus boskoopii Boskoop Ruby is an outstanding choice.