Genista tinctoria - dyer's greenweed

Genista tinctoria 'Plena' (synonym 'Flore Pleno') is a very pretty dwarf form with double flowers of the dyer's broom, known for its medicinal and dyeing properties. This subshrub with a prostrate habit forms a superb cushion literally covered with spikes of a very bright yellow, and brightens up the garden and rockery in summer. Keen on sunlight, it is not afraid of poor soils or cold, but dreads excessively dry soils.

Most brooms being native to the Mediterranean arc and the Middle East, they are adapted to poor soils and generally prefer mild to hot climates. This one, called dyer's broom, common broom, bastard broom or yellowing herb, does not deviate from the rule, but it is more resistant to cold than to intense droughts. Mediterranean summers, for example, are not suitable for this species native to central Europe and western Asia. On the other hand, it is not demanding in terms of soil type and tolerates the presence of limestone without excess.

The pretty 'Plena' form, slow-growing, will not exceed 30-40cm (11.8-15.7in) in height and 50-60cm (19.7-23.6in) in diameter after many years. This compact subshrub is composed of multiple short cylindrical stems, finely branched, green in colour. They bear deciduous dark green foliage, composed of very small ovate-lanceolate leaves that fall with the arrival of summer heat, photosynthesis being carried out by the green stems. Flowering takes place in June-July, in the form of upright spikes 3 to 5cm (1.2 to 2in) long, composed of numerous double pea-like flowers of a very bright yellow. It is not uncommon to see a second flowering in September-October.

Genista tinctoria 'Plena' is perfect for filling a rocky slope, a wall or a border. Also consider using it in a container to flower the surroundings of your house, for example. Play with its yellow flowering by associating it with other varieties of brooms or other bushes whose flowering is simultaneous, like Lithodora or certain lavenders. You can also use it to extend the flowering of your flowerbeds; Forsythia blooms earlier, while St. John's wort blooms later... What is certain is that your Genista tinctoria 'Plena', no matter where you have chosen to place it in the garden, will bring a great source of light and intense cheerfulness.