Question
Have sweet broom and it's growing well but needs pruning.  How do I root the prunings?  Is this possible?  Also listed as an annual, but mine stayed green all winter in Portsmouth Va.

Answer
Peggy,
Broom is hardy (and evergreen!) in your area and mine on Cape Cod.  The best time to prune it is RIGHT AFTER it blooms - if you prune it now you'll stimulate growth that won't be hardened off before winter, and you'll be cutting off next year's flowers.  HOWEVER, taking cuttings in August is ideal for most shrubs. SO - what you'll do is this: Take cuttings in late August by cutting 6 inch pieces of this year's growth. Dip them in either rooting powder or gel like Clonex, and place the cuttings in fresh, moist potting soil or seed starting mix. Put those cuttings in a light but no direct sun location and keep the soil moist.  Root at least 8 in case some don't make it.  Once they are rooted move them to an unheated garage - it can be dark that's ok - and bring the pots out in the spring - late Feb or early March - and plant.

Then, next year right after the blooms fade cut the GREEN shoots of the broom back by 1/2 to 2/3 - the key is not to cut into brown stems. If you do this every year at the same time the plant will stay thicker and fuller longer. Broom is not a long-lived plant, but annual pruning after flowering can keep it better longer.

I hope this helps!
C.L.