About

A semi-evergreen, medium-sized shrub with small leaves and racemes of scented, bright yellow flowers appearing in spring.

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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
FragranceFlower

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