Broom (Cytisus scoparius)

A Symbol of Protection, Purification, and Resilience in Cornish Folklore

Historical and Cultural Significance

Folklore, Witches, and Protection
Broom is woven into Cornish folklore as a symbol of protection and purification. Used in making besoms (witches’ brooms), it was placed by doors to ward off evil, sweep away bad luck, and purify spaces before rituals.

Marriage, Superstition, and Tradition
Broom featured in marriage customs — stepping over a broom was believed to bring misfortune or unwanted fertility. In contrast, jumping the broom symbolised new beginnings. It was also unlucky to buy a broom in May, warning of losing a friend.

Practical and Economic Uses
Beyond folklore, broom was a staple in rural crafts — used for sweeping, weaving, thatching, and soil stabilization, especially on coastal slopes and dunes. Its tough, woody stems and vibrant yellow flowers tied it to both daily life and seasonal festivals.

Emblem of Resilience
Seen by some as a Cornish national flower, broom thrives in harsh conditions, symbolizing the endurance and spirit of the Cornish landscape and people.

Growing Broom in Coastal Gardens

Care and Cultivation Tips

• Plant in open, sunny spots with dry, poor soils — ideal for coastal banks or erosion control.
• Sow seeds in autumn/spring; scarify seeds or use cuttings for propagation.
• Water young plants during establishment; mature broom needs little watering.
• Prune after flowering to maintain shape and prevent legginess.
• Avoid fertilizing; excess nutrients reduce flowering.
• Monitor spread — broom can be invasive if unmanaged.

Coastal Garden Notes

Broom’s salt and wind resistance makes it perfect for coastal gardens, offering vibrant colour, shelter for wildlife, and erosion control. Its early blooms are valuable for pollinators, and its minimal care needs make it a low-maintenance asset.

Summary

Broom blends practical use with powerful folklore in Cornwall — a symbol of protection, purification, and resilience. In coastal gardens, it thrives on poor soils and exposure, bringing golden blooms, ecological value, and a direct link to Cornwall’s living traditions.