Scotch Broom Sister Redhead™

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: This shrub requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its deep red color. While it can survive in partial shade, you will see much sparser flower production and the stems may become leggy.
• Soil: Sister Redhead™ thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soils where other plants struggle. Avoid heavy clay or wet spots at all costs because these conditions cause root rot and will quickly kill the plant.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Scotch Broom twice a week to help the roots reach deep into the soil. Once it is established, this plant is exceptionally drought tolerant and usually only needs supplemental water during extreme heat waves. Inconsistent watering during the first year can lead to stunted growth and fewer blooms the following spring.

Pruning Tips

Because this shrub blooms on old wood, you should only prune it immediately after the flowers fade in late spring. Use sharp shears to trim back the green stems by about a third to maintain a tidy shape and encourage fresh growth for next year. Avoid cutting into the thick, woody base of the plant because these older stems rarely sprout new growth and can leave permanent holes in the shrub.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a light application of a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth appears. You should avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall because this forces soft growth that will likely be killed by the first hard frost. Since Scotch Broom actually improves the soil by fixing its own nitrogen, very little feeding is required to keep it healthy.