Genista maderensis
An evergreen shrub or small tree, usually to around 2m high in cultivation but can reach up to 6m in its native habitat. Upright to arching stems with small, trifoliate green leaves. Produces racemes of small, fragrant, golden yellow pea-like flowers in late spring and early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Genista are deciduous, sometimes spiny, shrubs or small trees with small, simple or trifoliate leaves and solitary, racemose or clustered, pea-like yellow flowers which are sometimes fragrant
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Madeira
How to grow
Cultivation
Needs a sunny position and prefers well-drained, relatively poor soils. In frost-prone areas, grow in a cool greenhouse
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1 if necessary. Avoid cutting into old wood
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and gall mites
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
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