Overview
Genista sylvestris is a bushy, matforming shrubs in the genus Genista, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Genista sylvestris 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 sylvestris is a deciduous cultivar of the Genista genus, which comprises shrubs or small trees that may have spines and bear yellow pea-like flowers. This bushy, matforming plant thrives in full sun and well-drained, neutral loam soils, making it suitable for various garden settings including city, coastal, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and flowers in spring and summer. Genista sylvestris prefers fertile soil and can be propagated by seed or semi-ripe cuttings, adapting well to both exposed and sheltered aspects facing south, east, or west.
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
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 sylvestris 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 sylvestris
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Gall mites
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Genista sylvestris?
Genista sylvestris prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Genista sylvestris need?
Genista sylvestris grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Genista sylvestris hardy in the UK?
Genista sylvestris has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Genista sylvestris?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.
