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Conservatory GreenhouseShrubsHouseplants

Genista × spachiana

Easter broom

An evergreen shrub with small, dark green trifoliate leaves and very fragrant small yellow flowers in slender terminal racemes to 10cm long in late winter and early spring

Other common names
glaucous cassia
sunshine tree
Synonyms
Cytisus × spachianus
Cytisus racemosus
see moreCassia racemosus misapplied

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Yellow Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Tenerife

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a cool greenhouse, conservatory or as a houseplant, in peat-free, loam-based compost. Can be placed outside for the summer months

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in spring or take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 3; do not cut 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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