Genista tinctoria aka Dyer's Greenweed
Taxonomy
Genista tinctoria, also known as dyer's greenweed, dyer's broom, or waxen wood, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. Its Latin name refers to its use as a dye. Another related species, Planta genista, was used by the Plantagenet kings and queens of England for its dyeing properties, and its young shoots and stems were used as brooms. In contrast, the compact and floriferous Genista Lydia, also known as Lydian broom, is grown for its bright yellow blossoms that bloom throughout the summer.
Common names
Dyer's Greenweed, Dyer's Broom, Base BroomHow to care for Dyer's Greenweed
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Dyer's Greenweed is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Dyer's Greenweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Dyer's 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
Dyer's Greenweed 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 Dyer's Broom is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Dyer's Greenweed to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Fertilizer
The Dyer's Greenweed is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
Dyer's Greenweed’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Norway to the Mediterranean, east to the Urals, Caucasus and W. Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Genista Genus
Genista linifolia Needle Leaf Broom
Genista hirsuta Broom
Genista acanthoclada
Genista tridentata Prickly Broom
Genista sagittalis Winged Greenweed
Genista anglica Needle Furze
