Question
QUESTION: I had several broom plants planted about 4 years ago.  In the Spring they are alive with beautiful yellow flowers.  They have really grown and I am not sure what to do with them.  During Spring they are heavy with flowers and the woody trunks are leaning.  Do I need to cut the plants down after blooming or what?  I am totally confused what to do and think I need to do something before next blooming cycle or right after. I do not see a way to keep standing up yet continue to be beautiful.

ANSWER: Hi Pat,
Before I answer your question.  Can you tell me your general location, how large are the plants and do you know the specific type of broom?
thx,
Tom

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QUESTION: My location is Nashville, TN.  The broom plants are presently approximately 4 - 4 1/2 feet tall.Unfortunately, The type is called Moonlight Broom (Cytisus scoparius 'Moonlight'. The tag says it grows 6-8 feet tall and 5 ft. wide.  That is great if I know how to hold them up!!!

ANSWER: Hi Pam,
Thanx for the additional information.  It is a common growth habit for this Cytisus to lean.  You can trim it back and shape it to your liking as soon as it is finished blooming.  Don't wait too late to trim back though as that could affect next years bloom.  By the way, this shrub has demonstrated itself to be somewhat invasive in certain climates.  I don't know about Tennessee but I have read about its invasiveness on the West Coast and in Connecticut.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: Thanks, Tom.  this does help and I assume you are saying that I should probably trim the plants now instead of waiting until Fall!!!  Presently the plants do not seem to be invasive, but I will keeps my eye on them. I will trim this weekend and see what happens next year as far as the blooming goes.  Again, thank you.

Answer
Hi Pam,
Yes, I would trim the plants back now if they have finished blooming.  As for invasiveness, Cytisus is a memeber of the legume family and they can be pretty invasive anywhere because their seeds germinate so easily.  I think if you keep you lawn well-mowed, you're probably not going to have a problem.  I hope this helps.

Tom