About
A vigorous deciduous shrub up to 2m high, with slender, upright stems bearing few narrowly elliptic leaves. Each stem is topped with numerous aromatic, bright yellow pea-like flowers in summer, followed by flat brown seed pods.
About the genus
Spartium are broom-like deciduous shrubs with slender green stems bearing sparse, small simple leaves and fragrant pea-like yellow flowers in terminal racemes in summer and early autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationThrives in poor, well-drained soils in exposed, sunny sites, can become leggy in sheltered positions. Good for coastal situations and chalk
PruningPruning group 9. Older specimens can be cut back to ground level in spring if renovation is required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in autumn or spring. Plants may self-seed in place
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage by rabbits
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free