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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Genista hispanica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 1.5 m (5ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Ground Cover; Hedge;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Diuretic

The flowers have been used in the treatment of dropsy[4].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge Hedge

Plants can be grown as a low hedge[29]. A good ground cover for sunny positions[190]. Plants take about 2 years to form an effective cover[197]. They should be spaced about 60cm apart each way and can be pruned back hard if they become open or straggly with age[208].

Special Uses

Ground cover Hedge Hedge Nitrogen Fixer Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in a light well-drained soil in a sunny position[1]. Prefers a rather dry stony or sandy soil and does better in one on the poor side[11]. Established plants are drought tolerant[190]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[184]. Resents root disturbance and should be planted into its permanent position whilst small[11]. A very ornamental plant[1], it grows well on the top of walls and on hot dry banks, covering them with a dense mass of prickly greenery[182]. The flowers have a sweet refreshing perfume, like ripe apples or pineapples[245]. Plants occasionally die back in the centre of the clump, especially after cold wet winters. Cut out the dead growth and layer living shoots into the gap[200]. Closely related to G. tournefortii. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

The seed requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown autumn in a cold frame. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water and sow February in a cold frame. Good germination[78]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Roots are formed in the spring[11]. Cuttings of ripe wood, 5 - 10 cm with a heel, September/October in a frame. Good percentage. Plant out the following autumn[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Genista germanica		Shrub	0.6	4-8		LM	N	DM	0	1	1
Genista pilosa	Hairy greenweed, silkyleaf broom	Shrub	0.3	5-8	S	LM	SN	DM	0	0	3
Genista pilosa procumbens	Creeping broom, Creeping hairy broom	Shrub	0.1	6-8	S	LM	SN	DM	0	0	3
Genista sagittalis	Winged Broom, Arrow Broom	Shrub	0.3	3-8	M	LM	SN	DM	0	0	3
Genista tinctoria	Dyer's Greenweed, Common Woadwaxen, Broom	Shrub	0.6	4-7	M	LM	N	DM	1	2	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Genista hispanica - L.