About
A bushy evergreen shrub with very spiny much-branched stems and solitary coconut-scented bright yellow flowers 2cm in length, mainly in winter and spring, followed by slender black seed-pods.
About the genus
Ulex are spiny evergreen shrubs with very spiny branches bearing small, simple leaves that soon fall, and often fragrant, yellow, pea-like flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Native toW & C Europe
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor sandy soil in full sun. Will become leggy in rich soils
PruningPruning group 10, every 2-3 years
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility