Overview
Genista lydia is a spreading branched shrub in the genus Genista, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Genista lydia grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and ground cover. It is native to Bulgaria, Greece, Lebanon-Syria, NW. Balkan Pen., Türkiye and Türkiye-in-Europe.
About
Genista lydia, Lydian broom, dwarf broom, or common woadwaxen, is a species in the genus Genista, native to the Balkans, Turkey and Syria. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Genista lydia
About the genus
Genista is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae, native to open habitats such as moorland and pasture in Europe and western Asia. They include species commonly called broom, though the term may also refer to other genera, including Cytisus and Chamaecytisus. Brooms in other genera are sometimes considered synonymous with Genista: Echinospartum, Retama, Spartium, Stauracanthus, and Ulex.
Wikipedia contributors, "Genista", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Genista
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Genista
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Genista lydia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders, ground cover
- Native to
- Bulgaria, Greece, Lebanon-Syria, NW. Balkan Pen., Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Genista lydia
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny position; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Gall mites
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Genista lydia?
Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Genista lydia?
Genista lydia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Genista lydia need?
Genista lydia grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Genista lydia?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Genista lydia hardy in the UK?
Genista lydia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Genista lydia?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
