Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 where it is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Best in sandy or gravelly soils. Tolerates poor soils. Drought tolerant once established. Best left undisturbed once planted. Needs minimal pruning.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Genista spachiana, commonly known as sweet broom, is a vase-shaped, broadleaf evergreen shrub with arching branches that typically grows to 5-8’ tall. It is native to the Canary Islands. Fragrant, pea-like, yellow flowers (each to 1/2”) bloom, often abundantly, in late winter to early spring in slender terminal racemes (to 4” long). Trifoliolate dark green leaves. Brown seed pods (to 1” long) in fall.
Synonymous with Cytisus spachianus and Genista spachianus. Some authorities list this plant as a cross between Genista stenopetala and Genista canariensis. Both of which are native to the Canary Islands.
Genus name comes from the Latin name planta genista from which the Plantagenet kings and queens of England took their name.
Specific epithet honors French botanist Edouard Spach (1801-1879).
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Border fronts, cottage gardens or wild gardens.