About
Genista hispanica subsp. occidentalis is a western form of the Spanish gorse, producing the characteristic dense, spiny, deciduous stems and bright-yellow, pea-like flowers of the species. An ornamental and reliable broom for a sunny, well-drained border or rock garden.
About the genus
Genista, the brooms, are deciduous, sometimes spiny, shrubs or small trees with slender green stems and small, pea-like, typically yellow flowers from spring to summer. They range from compact, ground-hugging species to large, arching shrubs and are grown in sunny, well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toSE Europe to Syria
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor but well-drained soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1. Will not tolerate hard pruning. New growth will not rejuvenate from old wood
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and gall mites
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility