Care of the shrub Argyrocytisus battandieri or Pineapple broom |
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The genus Argyrocytisus, family Fabaceae, includes a single species of shrub native to Morocco: Argyrocytisus battandieri. Common names: Pineapple broom, Pineapple tree, Moroccan broom. Scientific synonyms: Cytisus battandieri, Adenocarpus battandieri. They are deciduous shrubs without thorns that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves have 3 oval green leaflets covered with hairs that give them a silvery appearance. The attractive yellow flowers appear in erect clusters and have a pineapple scent. They bloom in summer. They are used as isolated specimens, in small groups next to a wall, on rockeries, on sunny slopes and in Mediterranean coastal gardens. Argyrocytisus battandieri needs full sun exposure and a Mediterranean climate. It resists very light and occasional frosts (-2 ºC/28.4 ºF). They grow in any soil that has good drainage: sandy, calcareous, acidic, poor or stony. Planting is done in spring. Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. They resist drought well. They do not need fertilizers. They can be lightly pruned after flowering to keep them compact. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases but they can be attacked by fungi if there is excess watering. They are propagated by cuttings in spring or late summer. |
Images of the shrub Argyrocytisus battandieri or Pineapple broom |
 Argyrocytisus battandieri  Argyrocytisus battandieri  Argyrocytisus battandieri  Argyrocytisus battandieri |