Overview

Genista radiata is a bushy, matforming shrubs in the genus Genista, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Genista radiata grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, rock garden, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds.

About

Genista radiata is a mat-forming, well-branched shrub in the pea family (Fabaceae) with deciduous foliage and a concentrated spring flowering period. It performs best in full sun on well-drained loam with a neutral pH and tolerates exposed as well as sheltered sites. Classified H5 (hardy), it suits many UK locations and is particularly at home on slopes, gravel or in courtyards. Flowers appear April to June.

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

In the garden

Genista radiata is a mat-forming shrub in the Fabaceae with a compact, well-branched habit and deciduous leaves. Its main ornamental interest comes from the spring display: flowers appear from April to June, providing a clear seasonal focus before the plant drops foliage for winter. Position the plant in full sun in a free-draining loam with neutral pH; good drainage is important, so avoid heavy, waterlogged soils. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered situations and should be sited on south-, east- or west-facing aspects to maximise flowering. The hardiness rating H5 means it is classed as hardy in the UK and will withstand typical winter conditions in most areas. Genista radiata fits well where a low, mat-forming shrub is required: city and courtyard gardens, gravel and rock gardens, banks and slopes, and informal or cottage borders. Its spreading habit suits bank stabilisation or a front-of-border position where the spring flowers are visible close to eye level. Place it where the spring display can be appreciated, since its main season of interest is April to June.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Genista

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Genista radiata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy, Matforming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Genista radiata

Propagation

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings

Pest resistance

Aphids, Gall mites

Disease resistance

Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions