Needle furze
Genista anglica · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around needle furze and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to June, yellow flowers
- Adult size
- 0.5 to 1 m tall, compact and spreading habit
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Western and southern Europe, particularly coastal areas
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor to medium, tolerates acidity
Care
Sunlight
English broom thrives in full sun, which is essential for generous flowering and vigorous growth. Shaded exposure slows growth and reduces flowering. Choose an open location, away from the shade of trees.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to promote root establishment. Once established, this broom tolerates drought and only needs watering during prolonged dry periods. Avoid excess moisture, which promotes rot.
Soil and Drainage
Well-drained soil is essential; this plant fears waterlogged roots. It thrives in poor or acidic soil and adapts to rocky or sandy conditions. No rich potting soil is needed; poor soil actually encourages better flowering.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain compact, bushy growth. Avoid severe pruning, which could weaken the plant. English broom doesn't need regular pruning; intervention every 2 to 3 years is sufficient.
Fertilizer
This shrub needs no fertilizer, particularly if planted in poor soil. In very rich soil, light feeding in spring can support growth, but it's not recommended and may even reduce flowering.
Diseases and Pests
English broom is generally hardy against pests and diseases. Excess moisture can occasionally promote root rot or fungal issues. Ensure good air circulation and excellent drainage to prevent these problems.
Did you know?
English broom, though native to the Atlantic coasts of Europe, is closely linked to British heraldry: common gorse (Ulex europaeus) and its relatives inspired the nickname of the Plantagenets, the medieval English royal dynasty. The name derives from the Latin word 'genista', which the ancestors of future King Henry II claimed as their own.
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.