About
Genista pilosa, the hairy broom, is a low-growing, mat-forming deciduous shrub reaching up to 50 cm tall with small, dark-green leaves with silky-hairy undersides and a profusion of golden-yellow, pea-like flowers from late spring to early summer. An excellent ground-cover shrub for a sunny, very well-drained, poor-soil position.
About the genus
Genista, the brooms, are deciduous, sometimes spiny shrubs and small trees with small, simple or trifoliate leaves and pea-like, typically yellow flowers in racemes, clusters or solitary along the stems, mainly in spring and summer. Hardy and drought-tolerant, they are ideal for sunny, well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitMatforming, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationNeeds a sunny position and prefers well-drained, relatively poor soils
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