Why Sweet Broom (Genista) Dies in Zone 7

Genista racemosa (sweet broom) is hardy only to zone 8b — your zone 7 is too cold, especially in exposed spots. It needs dry, well-drained, low-nutrient, neutral-pH soil and hates wet roots. Fragile roots resent transplanting and winter moisture. If it survived two years, a microclimate helped — but a cold, wet winter likely killed it.

If signs of life appear, don't move it. Apply Messenger (harpin protein) to aid recovery. Improve drainage, reduce watering, add earthworms and mycorrhizae. Protect next winter. Consider it a tender shrub, not a true perennial in your zone.