Cistus corbariensis

Cytisus ‘Lena’ is a compact, deciduous broom shrub valued in gardens for its striking late-spring floral display and easy-going character. Typically growing to around 1-1.5 m tall and wide, it forms a bushy, upright plant with fine, slender green stems and small mid-green leaves that give it a delicate texture. In late spring to early summer it becomes a riot of pea-like flowers in warm, fiery tones rich mixes of red, orange and yellow that often read as russet-orange from a distance creating vibrant seasonal colour that lights up borders, rockeries or gravel gardens. The blooms are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding ecological value as well as ornamental interest. In cultivation, Cytisus ‘Lena’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring lighter, poorer soils where many other shrubs might struggle, and shows good drought tolerance once established. It is relatively low-maintenance and hardy across most UK conditions (RHS H5), though it benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain a compact form and encourage fresh shoots for the following season. Its compact habit and vivid flower colours make it a great choice for sunny borders, low hedging or informal garden schemes, and it can even perform well in coastal or exposed sites where other shrubs may falter.