About
This evergreen shrub or small tree, usually to around 2m high in cultivation but can reach up to 6m in its native habitat. Upright to arching stems with small, trifoliate green leaves. Produces racemes of small, scented, golden yellow pea-like flowers in late spring and early summer.
About the genus
Genista are deciduous, sometimes spiny, shrubs or small trees with small, simple or trifoliate leaves and solitary, racemose or clustered, pea-like yellow flowers which are sometimes fragrant
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toMadeira
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationNeeds a sunny position and prefers well-drained, relatively poor soils. In frost-prone areas, grow in a cool greenhouse
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 1 if necessary. Avoid cutting into old wood
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
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