Genista sagittalis
Genista sagittalis · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around genista sagittalis and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, light green
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Flowers
- Bright yellow, in clusters
- Adult size
- 12 to 24 inches tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -15°C
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-draining, light, poor to average
Care
Exposure
Genista sagittalis appreciates sunny or partly shaded locations. A south-facing exposure gives you more generous flowering and compact growth. It tolerates areas sheltered from strong winds.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to establish a good root system. Once established, this species is undemanding and tolerates dry periods well. Avoid excess water, which causes root rot.
Soil and drainage
Genista sagittalis prefers well-draining, light, and rather poor soils. It adapts to rocky, chalky, or sandy terrain. Overly rich or wet soil slows growth and encourages rot.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Avoid severe pruning, which weakens the plant. Remove dead or damaged wood in late winter.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is needed on poor soils, where Genista thrives naturally. On richer soils, a moderate spring application is enough; prefer a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pests and diseases
Genista sagittalis is a robust plant, rarely troubled by common diseases. Watch occasionally for spider mites in extremely dry conditions. Poor drainage can cause root rot: ensure good air circulation.
Did you know?
Genista sagittalis gets its Latin name 'sagittalis' from its characteristic arrow shape (sagittae means 'arrows' in Latin) formed by its flattened, winged stems. As a member of the Fabaceae family (legumes), it can fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria, allowing it to thrive on poor soils where few other ornamental plants would survive.
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.