Ulex parviflorus aka Ulex Parviflorus

Ulex parviflorus is an evergreen shrub in the pea family, Fabaceae. It comes from southwestern Europe, from Portugal to southern France. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The shrub grows fast and reaches about 5 feet [1.5 metres]. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. Its year-round foliage suits hedges where a lasting barrier is needed.

Plants For A Future gives its flowering season as August to October. Each flower has both male and female parts. Bees, flies and beetles pollinate the flowers. The plant can fix nitrogen through its links with soil bacteria. This trait helps explain its value on poor ground. The supplied species evidence gives no further flower or fruit details.

Grow this shrub in full sun, with soil that drains well. It will not grow in shade and dislikes rich ground. Poor, dry banks and gravelly sites suit it well. It can grow where dry, barren soil limits other plants. Sandy, loamy and clay soils can all support it with drainage. Plants For A Future gives mixed guidance on soil pH. Its summary allows mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soils. Its growing notes favour neutral to slightly acid soil and discourage alkaline sites. Established plants withstand drought, and the shrub also tolerates coastal exposure. The source lists USDA zones 6–9 and hardiness near −15°C.

Hedges and coastal windbreaks are its main listed landscape uses. Plants can form a barrier that is hard to pass through. It also suits the sunny edge of a woodland garden. Choose its final site with care, as roots dislike disturbance. Plants For A Future reports no known edible or medicinal uses. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish food safety.

Seeds and half-ripe cuttings offer ways to raise new plants. Soak seeds in hot water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow under glass from late winter into early spring. Germination should take about two weeks. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost. Avoid needless root disturbance when moving them to their final site. Take half-ripe cuttings with a heel in July or August.