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Collector's item

Genista hispanica

Genista hispanica
Spanish Gorse, Spanish Broom

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A wild broom used as an ornamental plant. This slow-growing shrub forms a spreading cushion about 50cm (20in) high and nearly twice as wide, which covers the ground well. In April-May, it is covered with bright yellow flowers, rivalling the most beautiful ornamental plants. Moderately hardy, but capable of resprouting after a severe frost, it is extremely drought-resistant and tolerates limestone very well. Plant it in poor, well-drained soil, on slopes or rockeries. Position it away from a pathway, as it is very thorny.
Flower size
2 cm
Height at maturity
50 cm
Spread at maturity
80 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -12°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil
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Best planting time March, October to November
Recommended planting time March to April, September to November
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Flowering time April to May
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Description

Genista hispanica, known as Spanish broom, is a small shrub with abundant yellow flowering in April-May. This bush forms a spreading cushion, 50cm (20in) tall and almost double in width, making it an excellent ground cover for slopes or rockeries. This plant of wild origin is extremely drought-resistant and also tolerates limestone well. It requires a sunny location, in poor and well-drained soil. Hardy down to about -12°C (10.4°F), it should be protected from winter winds in cold regions. It is best not to plant it near a pathway, as it is a thorny little shrub!

 

Genista hispanica belongs to the Fabaceae family. Its species name, hispanica, betrays its origins, as it grows naturally in Spain. It is a wild plant that is also used for ornamental purposes due to its robustness and aesthetic qualities. It is a spreading shrub that forms ground cover cushions in limestone and arid soils. Very thorny, it develops tiny leaves to limit transpiration and to be able to resist drought to the maximum. This species was named by the great botanist Linnaeus in 1753.

Today, Spanish Broom, also improperly called Spanish Gorse (gorse belongs to the genus Ulex), is part of the range of ornamental plants well adapted to heatwaves. Genista hispanica displays superb yellow flowering, with papilionaceous flowers that cover the surface of the plant, forming a magnificent carpet in spring, usually in April-May (or May-June for cooler regions). The small yellow flowers are grouped in clusters at the ends of short branches. These branches are stiff and very thorny, with small deciduous green leaves that resemble true Gorse (Ulex europaeus) in appearance. The growth of this shrub is quite slow, eventually forming a perfect ground cover, about 50cm (20in) in height, or even up to 80cm (31in), with a diameter of about 1m (3ft). This spreading cushion is perfect for adorning a rockery, thanks to the plant's high resistance to drought once established. It will also be particularly valuable for covering a difficult, inaccessible slope, as this plant requires almost no maintenance.

Genista hispanica is ideal for non-irrigated gardens, without sacrificing ornamental appeal, since its flowering is just as impressive as that of horticultural hybrids. It will be perfect for dry, limestone soil. You can plant Colutea arborescens (a shrub from the same family) in the background. Colutea bears orange flowers, followed by decorative reddish pod, and is also tough as nails. At the base of Genista hispanica and along the edge of your flower bed, plant an equally resistant Achillea. This will provide a beautiful display of colourful blooms throughout the summer.

Genista hispanica in pictures

Genista hispanica (Flowering) Flowering
Genista hispanica (Foliage) Foliage
Genista hispanica (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 80 cm
Habit spreading
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time April to May
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 2 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Genista

Species

hispanica

Family

Fabaceae

Other common names

Spanish Gorse, Spanish Broom

Origin

Mediterranean

Product reference1001151

Planting and care

Genista hispanica naturally grows in arid situations, characterised by dry soils and mild winters. In these conditions, it withstands the wind well, otherwise it will need to be sheltered from cold winter winds. It appreciates poor and well-drained, limestone soils, so there is no need to add compost to the planting hole! If your soil is slightly rich or retentive, add gravel and plant in a slight mound so that water can easily drain away in winter. This plant dislikes stagnant water, which also enhances the effects of frost. Its cold resistance is around -12°C (10.4°F), for a mature, well-established subject, if the soil is dry enough.

Choose a very sunny exposure, especially in cool regions. Water generously at planting and monitor subsequent waterings during the first few months. The plant needs enough water to develop roots that will then withstand drought. 

 

Planting period

Best planting time March, October to November
Recommended planting time March to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Light and well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Lightly prune after flowering to rejuvenate or restrict its growth.
Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Dry soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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