Spanish Gorse
Genista hispanica
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Genista hispanica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Scrub and open rocky hills in lowland and mountains.
W. Europe - France to Spain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The flowers have been used in the treatment of dropsy.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Other
Rating:
Plants can be grown as a low hedge. A good ground cover for sunny positions. Plants take about 2 years to form an effective cover. They should be spaced about 60cm apart each way and can be pruned back hard if they become open or straggly with age.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Hedge: Hedge
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Easily grown in a light well-drained soil in a sunny position. Prefers a rather dry stony or sandy soil and does better in one on the poor side. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. Resents root disturbance and should be planted into its permanent position whilst small. A very ornamental plant, it grows well on the top of walls and on hot dry banks, covering them with a dense mass of prickly greenery. The flowers have a sweet refreshing perfume, like ripe apples or pineapples. Plants occasionally die back in the centre of the clump, especially after cold wet winters. Cut out the dead growth and layer living shoots into the gap. Closely related to G. tournefortii. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagating it: The seed requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown autumn in a cold frame. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water and sow February in a cold frame. Good germination. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Roots are formed in the spring. Cuttings of ripe wood, 5 - 10 cm with a heel, September/October in a frame. Good percentage. Plant out the following autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Ground Cover; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist