About

A compact, almost leafless, bushy shrub with very spiny green stems and plentiful clusters of aromatic, double, rich deep yellow flowers in spring.

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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in most poor, well-drained acidic soils in full sun
PruningPruning group 10, every 2-3 years
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings summer
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