About
Genista tinctoria, dyer's greenweed, is a variable, often low-growing deciduous shrub to around 60 cm with small, narrow, dark-green leaves and numerous clusters of bright-yellow, pea-like flowers borne at the tips of branching stems from midsummer into early autumn. Historically important as a source of yellow dye for wool and cloth.
About the genus
Genista, the brooms, are deciduous, sometimes spiny shrubs and small trees with small, simple or trifoliate leaves and pea-like, typically yellow flowers in racemes, clusters or solitary along the stems, mainly in spring and summer. Hardy and drought-tolerant, they are ideal for sunny, well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
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 seed, or 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