Genista

Fabaceae

Broom

Deciduous small to medium size shrubs; almost leafless green stems give the appearance of being evergreen even after leaves drop. Free flowering masses of pea like flowers (commonly yellow, occasionally other colours).

They are closely related to Cytisus and Spartium, which are also called Broom.  Some suit rockeries, and others provide a colourful feature amongst other shrubs when in flower.

Uses

Garden shrub, screening plant.

Culture

They prefer a Mediterranean climate, are generally very hardy, tolerate dryness, and suit any soil type (sandy or clay) provided it is well drained.

Prune annually to keep plants compact and promote flowering.

Propagation

 Propagate by seed, layering or softwood cuttings. 

Cultivars

Cultivars include:

G. lydia  -60cm X 1m, rounded bush, sparse foliage profuse bright yellow flowers swamp the plant in spring and summer.

G. monosperma -2.5 X 2 m, fragrant white flowers.

G. stenopetala  -2.5 X 2m, sweetly fragrant golden yellow spring flowers.

G. ‘Yellow Imp’   -1 X 1m  bright gold-yellow flowers occur from late spring for an extended period.

G. X sphachiana  - good  sized plant with brilliant yellow blooms.

G. tinctorum (syn. G. spartium)  –produces gold flowers later than most other Genistas, in summer. There are several cultivars of this species varying in height from 30cm to 1m or taller.
 

Plant Health


Pests and diseases are rarely of major concern.
 

More info

Approximately 90 species are listed. 

 

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