Calicotome villosa
Calicotome villosa · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around calicotome villosa and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, small dark green leaves
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May), golden yellow flowers
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 2.5 m tall, compact bushy habit
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, fears intense frost (hardy to around -5°C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin (southern France, Spain, North Africa)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, calcareous, tolerates poor and dry soils
- Exposure
- Full sun essential
Care
Exposure
Plant Calicotome villosa in full sun, ideally in a spot sheltered from cold northern winds. This Mediterranean shrub needs direct light to flower generously and maintain its compact habit. Avoid shaded areas or spots with stagnant moisture.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to establish the roots well. Once established, the plant tolerates drought well and needs little watering, except during prolonged heat waves. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Choose a calcareous or neutral substrate, preferably poor: the plant dislikes excess nutrients. Enrich the planting hole with sand or gravel if the soil is too compact.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or misaligned branches. Avoid drastic pruning, which weakens the plant.
Fertilizer
Apply little fertilizer: the plant thrives on poor soils. A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Prefer light compost additions rather than concentrated chemical fertilizers.
Diseases and pests
Relatively robust, Calicotome villosa fears excessive moisture which promotes fungi. Check for scale insects if growing in pots. Good foliage aeration prevents most health problems.
Did you know?
Calicotome villosa was traditionally used by Mediterranean populations as livestock fodder and as a source of firewood. Its Latin name "villosa" refers to its small finely hairy leaves, adapted to the xeric conditions of its natural habitat.
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
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.