Scotch Broom Sister Redhead™

Cytisus scoparius 'SMNCSAB'

Proven Winners®

Stunning Orange-Red Flowers Transform Traditional Scotch Broom into a Bold Garden Statement
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 3-4 ft Tall and Wide
Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant
Showy Red Blooms in Late Spring

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

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.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

A Great New Look for Scotch Broom!

You've probably seen Scotch Broom growing in someone's garden or wild along the roadside. It heralds spring with sweet-pea shaped bright sunny yellow flowers in eye-popping profusion.

Now comes along Sister Redhead® Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius 'SMNCSAB' PP#30214). She doesn't herald spring with bright yellow flowers, but with bold orange-red flowers with a lick of yellow at their tips. She can't be missed!

Scotch Broom is semi-evergreen; it is evergreen in warm climates, deciduous in cold ones. It is called 'broom' because of its slender broom-like foliage that adds an airy quality to landscapes. The seed pods mature to a dark brown/black at the end of the season. They are one of the most unique seed pods you'll find in your garden. They explode open when ripe and dramatically shoot their seeds several feet away from the plant.

They are famously deer resistant, so if you struggle with your garden being eaten by Bambi, this is the plant for you.

Scotch Broom is also highly adaptable to many garden soils, so it will work in some of your hard-to-grow areas.

Sister Redhead® is one sister that puts on quite a show in spring. Make sure the show is in your garden this year!

Beautiful red-orange flowers
Unique seed pods add late season interest
Deer resistant and drought tolerant

Botanical Name

Cytisus scoparius 'SMNCSAB'
Class

Magnoliopsida, Fabidae
Species

scoparius
Cultivar

SMNCSAB
Growing Zones

5-8
Height

3-4 ft
Width

3-4 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Medium
Flower Color

Red
Leaf Color

Green
Fall Color

Green
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom suitable for?

Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom thrives in USDA zones 6-9. It's semi-evergreen, staying green year-round in warmer zones but going dormant in colder areas. Plant it in a protected spot if you're in zone 6 for best results.

What is the mature size (height and width) of Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom?

Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom typically reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity. This compact shrub maintains a naturally rounded form without pruning. Give it adequate space to showcase its spring flower display and unique exploding seed pods. Shop at Nature Hills for this deer-resistant beauty.

Does Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 4 or 9)?

Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom thrives in zones 6-9, where it's highly adaptable to various soil conditions. In colder zones like 4-5, it may not survive harsh winters, while zones 8-9 will keep it semi-evergreen year-round. Check your specific microclimate and winter protection options if you're in a borderline zone.

What type of soil does Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom prefer, and can it handle poor soil?

Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom is highly adaptable to many garden soils and thrives in poor conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for challenging areas where other plants struggle. It's particularly useful for hard-to-grow spots in your landscape.

How drought tolerant is Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom once established?

Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom is highly drought tolerant once established, thriving in poor soils where other plants struggle. This adaptable shrub requires minimal watering after its first growing season. Perfect for xeric gardens and water-wise landscapes available at naturehills.com.

Is Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom deer resistant and pest-resistant?

Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom is famously deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens where deer browsing is a problem. Like other Scotch Broom varieties, it's also highly adaptable to challenging garden conditions. Plant it in areas where deer frequently feed for reliable, colorful spring blooms.

When and how should I prune Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom?

Prune Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom immediately after flowering in late spring to early summer. Light pruning works best since these shrubs don't respond well to hard cuts into old wood. Simply trim back spent flower stems and lightly shape the plant to maintain its natural form.

Where can I buy Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom, and what are your shipping restrictions (e.g., to CA, WA)?

Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom is available through select nurseries nationwide. Some states like California and Washington have shipping restrictions on Scotch Broom due to its invasive potential in certain regions. Check with your local nursery about availability and any state regulations before ordering.

Is Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom invasive like other Scotch Brooms in my area?

Sister Redhead™ Scotch Broom has the same spreading potential as traditional Scotch Broom varieties. The exploding seed pods can launch seeds several feet from the plant, allowing natural spread. Check your local invasive species regulations before planting, and consider removing seed pods before they mature to prevent unwanted spread.