Genista pilosa aka Hairy Greenweed

Taxonomy

Genista pilosa, also known as hairy greenweed, silkyleaf broom, silkyleaf woadwaxen, and creeping broom, is a versatile plant species in the genus Genista. It is a vigorous, low-growing deciduous shrub that can reach heights of up to 60cm. The plant features spreading, downy stems and small, dark green leaves with a silvery covering of fine hairs underneath. In late spring and early summer, numerous clusters of small, bright yellow flowers adorn the plant. This fast-growing, evergreen creeper thrives in hot, sunny locations. It forms a carpet of grey-green stems, giving the impression of having no leaves. The plant is smothered in vibrant yellow pea flowers during late spring. It is well-suited for slopes, rock gardens, and tubs. Once established, it exhibits drought tolerance. It is recommended to space the plants at a rate of 2 to 4 per square yard. This particular variety of Genista pilosa is registered with COPF, requiring royalties for propagation. Overall, Genista pilosa is a resilient plant species that flourishes in poor, dry, sandy, and stony soils across western and central Europe. Its green stems, yellow flowers, and adaptability make it an attractive choice for various landscaping projects.

Common names

Hairy Greenweed, Cytisus Pilosus, Genista Humifusa, Genista Jordanii, Genista Nodosa

How to care for Hairy Greenweed

Difficulty

Hairy Greenweed presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Hairy Greenweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Hairy Greenweed 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Hairy Greenweed prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Hairy Greenweed to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Hairy Greenweed is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia