Albaida
Anthyllis cytisoides · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around albaida and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Cytisus-leaved Anthyllis
- Family
- Fabaceae (legumes)
- Form
- Bushy shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (April-June)
- Mature size
- 0.8 to 1.5 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Moderate (frost-tender below -5 °C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin (Spain, Portugal, North Africa)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light to gravelly
Care
Exposure
Plant your Anthyllis cytisoides in full sun for optimal flowering. This Mediterranean plant loves warm, bright locations. It tolerates shade poorly and risks becoming stunted.
Watering
Water moderately and regularly during the first year after planting to establish it well. Once established, it is very drought-resistant and requires little water. Avoid excess moisture, particularly in winter, which can cause rot.
Soil
Anthyllis appreciates light, well-drained and rather poor soil. It adapts very well to gravelly, sandy or chalky terrain. Improve drainage with gravel or sand if your soil is too compact.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, airy shape. Remove dead or damaged wood. Regular pruning prevents the shrub from becoming straggly and extends its lifespan.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary: Anthyllis cytisoides, like all legumes, naturally enriches the soil with nitrogen through its root nodules. Too many nutrients may even favor foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
This plant is relatively pest and disease-resistant, especially in dry climates. In humid or poorly drained environments, watch for root rot. Good air circulation and adequate drainage prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Anthyllis cytisoides was considered a dye plant in the Mediterranean: its leaves and flowers were used to dye fabrics in various shades of yellow and orange. Its genus name 'Anthyllis' comes from Greek anthos (flower) and yllis (wound), as it was once used in folk medicine to treat wounds.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.