Expert: C.L. Fornari - 4/13/2010

Question
I bought a Sweet Broom and did not realize it was not getting enough water. I have corrected the situation as far as the water but will it recover.. do I need to trim it. What is my next step. I just hope that they are forgiving.

Answer
Tita,
I'm assuming that you planted Cytisus spachianus, which is also called Sweet Broom. These plants require little water once they are established, but while they are growing their roots after first planting, need regular water. Since I can't see and feel the plant, I don't know if it will recover or not. If the ends of the stems seem completely crispy and dry by all means cut those off. But if you're not sure if they are totally dried and dead, it won't hurt to leave the plant as is for now, and in a couple of months, when you can see new growth and recovery, cut off those stems that are not growing or recovered.

Don't go too far in the opposite direction and give it too much water as too much is as bad as too little. A DEEP soaking every four or five days if your nights are cool should be fine, and then taper off to once a week later in June. I don't know where you live, so if your weather is above 85 degrees in the day and above 70 at night, and sunny, you might need to water every three days for the first month or so.  

all the best,
C.L.