Genista hispanica

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.