Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Retama monosperma or Bridal broom

The genus Retama, family Fabaceae, includes 3 species of shrubs native to the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands. The species are: Retama monosperma, Retama sphaerocarpa and Retama raetam.

Common name: Bridal broom. This species is native to the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco.

They are elegant shrubs highly branched from the base with long and hanging branches that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They have small, linear, deciduous leaves and white flowers that appear in small but abundant clusters; they have the typical butterfly shape of the Fabaceae. They bloom during the spring.

Bridal broom is used as isolated specimens in dry areas of the garden, to form bushy groups and to fix sandy slopes and dunes. It's an ideal plant for gardens by the sea.

Retama monosperma needs a very sunny exposure. It resists occasional low intensity frosts.

Bridal broom can grow in poor, sandy soils and even with some salinity. It's important that they have good drainage.

Water moderately throughout the year waiting for the substrate to dry completely. It resists drought well.

Retama monosperma does not need fertilizers.

Bridal broom can be lightly pruned each year after flowering to maintain a compact appearance

Retama monosperma is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases.

Bridal broom is propagated by cuttings in fall or from seeds sown in spring; immerse them in very hot water for 5 seconds before sowing.

Images of the shrub Retama monosperma or Bridal broom