Is SPANISH GOLD® broom good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, SPANISH GOLD® broom is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant SPANISH GOLD® broom?

Space SPANISH GOLD® broom about 4 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 3 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is SPANISH GOLD® broom hardy on the Front Range?

SPANISH GOLD® broom is hardy in USDA 5 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.

How much water does SPANISH GOLD® broom need?

It needs low water once established.

How fast does SPANISH GOLD® broom grow?

SPANISH GOLD® broom is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

Is SPANISH GOLD® broom native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

Is SPANISH GOLD® broom deer-resistant?

SPANISH GOLD® broom is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

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SPANISH GOLD® broom

Cytisus purgans

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

SPANISH GOLD® broom (Cytisus purgans) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Bright yellow pea flowers in late spring; nitrogen-fixing legume; deer-resistant.

Plant Select®low water2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: (c) Karim Haddad, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: (c) Karim Haddad, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 3: (c) Rafael Medina, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 4: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 5: Balles2601 (iNaturalist profile: Balles2601), Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 6: Francdubtes, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 8
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~4 ft apart (3 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: moderate
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Needs sharp drainage, rots in clay. Very drought tolerant.

Pruning: light.

Frequently asked questions

Is SPANISH GOLD® broom good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, SPANISH GOLD® broom is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does SPANISH GOLD® broom get?: It matures to about 2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant SPANISH GOLD® broom?: Space SPANISH GOLD® broom about 4 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 3 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is SPANISH GOLD® broom hardy on the Front Range?: SPANISH GOLD® broom is hardy in USDA 5 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
How much water does SPANISH GOLD® broom need?: It needs low water once established.
How fast does SPANISH GOLD® broom grow?: SPANISH GOLD® broom is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is SPANISH GOLD® broom native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is SPANISH GOLD® broom deer-resistant?: SPANISH GOLD® broom is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.