Genista hispanica aka Spanish Gorse

Taxonomy

Genista hispanica, commonly known as the Spanish gorse or anlaga, is a spiny, gorse-like deciduous shrub in the family Fabaceae. Native to southern France and northern Spain, it thrives in various environments such as borders, wall and rock gardens, gravelly soils, and coastal areas. This reliable shrub boasts green stems with spines and leafy flowering shoots that bear terminal clusters of bright yellow flowers, measuring 12mm in length, during late spring and early summer. With its abundance of pea-like flowers and dark green prickly leaves, Genista hispanica is a perfect choice for hot and dry sites.

Common names

Spanish Gorse, Spanish Broom

How to care for Spanish Gorse

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Spanish Gorse is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Spanish Gorse should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Spanish Gorse loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Spanish Gorse requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Spanish Broom is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Spanish Gorse to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Spanish Gorse grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Spanish Gorse’s native range is W. Europe - France to Spain.


More info:
Wikipedia