Genista Porlock

Genista 'Porlock' is a hybrid broom that is covered with countless clusters of highly scented golden yellow flowers in spring. It occasionally flowers again in autumn if the weather is mild. It is a fast-growing small bush, with flexible, fuzzy, and semi-erect branches and charming small, dark green, semi-evergreen trifoliate leaves. Vigorous and hardy down to -10° C (14° F), it loves sun and heat, and tolerates temporary droughts and sea spray. Plant it in isolation, in a bed, as a free hedge, or even in a pot, in a sunny location in normal to poor, well-drained, and even chalky soil. Easy to maintain, simply perform light pruning after flowering to prevent fruit formation and promote a second flowering.

Most brooms are native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. They adapt to poor soils and generally prefer mild to warm climates. The 'Porlock' Broom is a cultivar developed by Norman G. Hadden, Porlock (GB) dating from before 1922 and resulting from the cross-breeding between Genista monspessulana and Genista spachiana.

The fast-growing 'Porlock' cultivar will reach approximately 2 m (6.6 ft) in all directions at maturity. Its habit is semi-erect. This compact shrub is composed of multiple cylindrical and slightly arched, fuzzy, finely branched, green-striped stems. They bear semi-evergreen dark green foliage, composed of tiny three-leaflet leaves that are 1 cm (0.4 in) long, which often fall with the arrival of summer heat, as photosynthesis is carried out by the green stems. The very abundant flowering takes place from April to May, in the form of countless clusters composed of bright golden yellow pea-like flowers. It is not uncommon to witness a second flowering in September-October if the climate is mild.

The 'Porlock' Broom is perfect for filling a large rocky slope, the top of a wall, or even in a bed with other wild-looking bushes. Consider using it in a container to adorn the surroundings of your house, for example. Play with its yellow flowering by planting it with other varieties of brooms or other shrubs that have simultaneous flowering, like Lithodoras or certain lavenders. You can also use it to extend the flowering period of your beds; forsythia blooms earlier, while St. John's Wort and white buddleias bloom at the same time, and the Afghan sage flowers until October. What is certain is that your 'Porlock' Broom, no matter where you choose to plant it in the garden, will bring a wonderful source of light and intense cheerfulness.