About

A creeping deciduous dwarf shrub to 35cm high, with small, narrow, dark green leaves. Produces dense, upright clusters of small, bright yellow, double flowers from spring to 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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrows well in light, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Ideal for a rock garden or alpine house
PruningPruning group 1; do not cut back into old wood
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring or autumn, or by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility