Cytisus battandieri

For growing against a wall in a sheltered sunny area, Cytisus battandieri takes some beating. The golden yellow racemes of flowers appear in late spring and early summer, and smell distinctly of pineapple. It will eventually grow to over 4m tall so during the growing season, water frequently and give a feed of liquid fertiliser once a month.

This tall Moroccan shrub or small tree was introduced as recently as 1922, and for a long time was thought less hardy than plants have proved. It is best grown with some shelter from cold winds and in full sun, and makes an excellent wall shrub, where its silky grey-green foliage, delicate and laburnum-like, looks effective against brickwork and can reach 5.5m (18ft). The golden pea-shaped flowers are gathered in large upright cones, and have a strong scent of pineapples. Also known as Argyrocytisus battandieri.



Exposure: Full sun Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light Height: 400cm
Spread: 400cm
Time to plant seeds: September to May Time to take cuttings: June to July

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Silky foliage and golden yellow, pineapple scented flowers. Superb on a warm wall.

Picture showing Cytisus battandieri - bunches of sun yellow blooms produced with an intensive pineapple fragrance.

Sowing Instructions: Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 70-75F (20-25C). Sow in well drained compost, just covering the seed with compost. Sowing Time: February to May. Soak the seeds in hand hot water for 2 hours, if the seeds are large they can first be lightly filed at one point on the seed before soaking.

Picture showing Cytisus battandieri :Deciduous tall shrub with spreading, pubescent branches. Trifoliate leaves, 4 cm wide and up to 10 cm long, pubescent. Cone-shaped clusters of bright-yellow single flowers, 2 cm long. Pineapple-scented cones up to 10 cm long, appear in May.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots when large enough to handle, taking care NOT to damage the roots. Grow on in a cold frame and plant out the following spring. Space the plants 2m (6ft) apart in full sun.

Aftercare Instructions: Prefers a sheltered sunny site.