About
A prostrate deciduous sub-shrub forming a mat of erect, conspicuously winged stems to 10cm in height, with sparse, small leaves. Pea-like yellow flowers in terminal clusters in 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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Alpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toFrance, Spain
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