How To Prune Scotch Broom To Encourage Low Growth

Question From: East Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
Q: FOR SCOTCH BROOM: I kinda messed up and allowed this thing to get out of hand and now the trunk is all bare with just a tuft on top... is there any way to encourage new growth from the base or the bottom of this without getting a new one ? I dont want to spend $42 again like i did to just get this . I am keeping it low like 4 foot high and pruning after bloom. anything i can do this spring ?? YOUR HELP IS APPRECIATED.

A: John, I have no personal experience with Scotch Broom as it hardy only to zone 6 and I dig in Zone 5. That said, my research says you can cut it back hard - 3 to 6 inches in height. I'd do this in spring when you to see new growth. It grows wild where rosemary and lavender grow wild - The south of France. Just returned from a fabulous trip on the Rhone River. I prune my lavender when I see new growth in spring. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.