Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Chamaecytisus purpureus (Scop.) Link.

Fully-hardy, deciduous, dense, semi-erect shrub with smooth, branching stems, 3-palmate leaves and axillary clusters of 2 or 3 pale pink to lilac flowers, to 2.5cm across, with darker throats, in early summer.  To 45cm.  [RHSE, Hortus, Hilliers’].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘It is a beautiful hardy shrub, of low bushy growth, and flowers in the months of May and June, when it is a pleasing ornament to a garden.’  [LBC no.892, 1824].  ‘The purple-flowered Cytisus is a humble shrub with weak stems, which in the month of May are covered with a profusion of flowers.’  [BM t.1176/1809].  Introduced to England in 1792.  ‘This plant is very beautiful when in flower, but has a better effect when grafted on a rather tall laburnum.’  [Don]. 

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [T.365/1843].

Notes

Published Dec 16, 2009 - 01:57 PM | Last updated Jul 18, 2010 - 05:01 PM

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Figured are tri-foliate leaves and upright raceme of lilac pink pea flowers. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.1176, 1809.

Chamaecytisus purpureus (Scop.) Link. | BM t.1176/1809 | BHL

Family Fabaceae
Category
Region of origin

South east Europe
Synonyms
  • Cytisus purpureus Scop. 
Common Name

Purple broom
Name in the Camden Park Record

Cytisus purpureus 
Confidence level high