Bridal broom (Retama monosperma)
Care, watering, light and tips for Bridal broom on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Bridal broom
Retama monosperma, also known as Bridal Broom, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region. It is notable for its abundant and fragrant white blossoms in spring, which cover its slender, pendulous branches, creating a cascade effect. It's ideal for low-maintenance gardens, slopes, or as a specimen plant where its bloom can be the focal point.
Native range
Northwest Africa and the Iberian Peninsula
Care tips
It prefers full sun exposure for optimal flowering and healthy development. This plant is very drought-tolerant once established, requiring infrequent watering; overwatering is its main enemy. It adapts to poor, well-drained soils, including calcareous ones, but does not tolerate waterlogging. Avoid severe pruning, as it flowers on old wood and drastic pruning can reduce the following year's bloom.
How to save a dying Bridal broom
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or massive leaf drop, dry/brittle branches, lack of flowering or new shoots.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Prune dry branches. If potted, consider repotting to a larger one.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or poorly drained soil. Also, prolonged lack of direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and the main trunk is still green. Act quickly.