Ulex minor
Ulex minor · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around ulex minor and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Dwarf Gorse
- Family
- Fabaceae (legumes)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, reduced to spines
- Flowering
- April to June, golden yellow flowers
- Adult size
- 0.5 to 1.5 m in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to -15 °C
- Origin
- European Atlantic heathlands
Care
Exposure
Ulex minor demands a very sunny location (6 to 8 hours minimum per day) to flower well. It tolerates windy positions and loves open areas. Avoid dense shade which slows its growth and reduces flowering.
Soil and drainage
This plant prefers light, well-drained and poor soils, typically acid to neutral. It adapts well even to poor and sandy ground. Excess moisture or compact soil risks rotting the roots.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to establish the root system. Once established, Ulex minor tolerates drought well thanks to its deep roots. Winter watering should be greatly reduced or eliminated depending on your region.
Pruning
Light pruning after flowering (June-July) helps maintain a compact shape. Pinch young shoots to encourage branching. Avoid pruning old wood, which heals with difficulty.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary, and indeed is discouraged. As a legume, this plant enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation. Overly fertile soil promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pests and diseases
Ulex minor is very hardy and rarely affected by pests. Excess moisture occasionally causes rot. Watch for scale insects when growing in pots.
Did you know?
Dwarf gorse was once burned as fuel in Breton and Norman heathlands, and its spines were used to make rudimentary brooms. The name 'gorse' comes from the Celtic 'ak' (point), reflecting its spiny nature which allows it to survive in hostile and arid environments.
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.