As far as I am aware, Spanish Broom is fine to plant. I have two varieties in my yard and certainly haven't seen any negative behavior. Well, one of them is only marginally hardy (It's the heavily touted Colorado Gold Spanish Broom) and I consider that a bit of a negative. But then, I am only a marginal zone 5 (really a zone4) so maybe it evens out.

Thanks for the response. I am so glad to hear that you are happy with it. I winter sowed some seeds that I got off ebay. I still have not planted out just wondering where it would be best planted. Would you by chance have a picture of this plant. Do you think it would work in an area that is three feet wide. Or would it grow to large. Is it something that can be trimmed back. Thanks so much for the help.

I googled for a picture and found out where you got the idea that the plant is invasive. I don't think that you are going to have any problems in zone 5. I don't have any pictures but there are lots on the internet. My bushes are fuller than the native species.

As far as size is concerned, it depends on what variety you have. Colorado Gold is supposed to grow about 3 feet high and wide. Mine dies back to the ground most years but ends up about 2.5' bu 2.5' at the end of the summer. I also have Moonbeam. It doesn't die back and is about 5 ft high and 4 ft wide. I suppose that you could trim them - I chop off the ones that die back to the ground and they regrow but you might end up with a deformed bush if you tried selective pruning.

I am fond of these bushes because they are quite drought tolerant once established,they can grow in our high altitude sunlight, the stems stay green in the winter and the spring blooms are fabulously fragrant.

I appreciate the encouraging words. I just tonight went out after reading your post and planted out the spanish broom that I wintersowed. I think it is a beautiful bush from the pictures. Thanks for the help.

I moved to Reno, NV three years ago have a beautiful Spanish Broom in my front yard. This spring it is turning brown? Any ideas as to what is happening....