About
A vigorous, low-growing deciduous shrub up to 60cm high, with spreading, downy stems and small, dark green leaves with a silvery covering of fine hairs beneath. Produces numerous clusters of small, bright yellow 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 hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
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 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