Broom (bot. Genista) is a genus of plants from the legume family. There are many different species, the exact number is unknown. You can also find other plants on the market that call themselves gorse but are not related to it.
The broom is not a true broom
Many species of broom grow wild in large parts of Europe and the Near East. There are also numerous attractive cultivated forms. You will find wild gorse mainly in nutrient-poor and barren areas. It tolerates frost well. Although gorse does not produce nectar, it attracts bees and butterflies. This also contributes to its attractiveness as a garden plant.
"False" broom species:
- Common broom (Cytisus scoparius)
- Broom or Spanish broom (Spartium junceum)
- Thorny broom (Calicotome spinosa)
- Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
A certain resemblance to the real gorse cannot be denied in the various “fake” species. In terms of location and care, the differences are not too great either. This means that you have a large selection in specialist shops.
Planting and caring for gorse
The real broom grows as a semi-shrub or shrub and is about half a meter to two meters tall. It grows long taproots and prefers light, lean soil. Broom is very frugal and needs little water and practically no fertilizer. This makes it one of the most easy-care ornamental plants and it also grows in places that are not well suited for other shrubs.
It is best to plant your broom in a sunny location. There he feels most comfortable and blooms most beautifully. Most broom species have yellow flowers, but there are also white, pink, orange and red varieties. Pod-like fruits develop from the flowers. However, keep in mind that gorse is poisonous. Incidentally, this also applies to the “fake” broom species.
The "real" broom in brief:
- grows as a shrub or subshrub
- 0.5 - 2 meters high, exception: Etna broom up to 5 m
- Location: sunny
- Soil: lean
- taproots
- poisonous
- Flower color mostly yellow, but also reddish, orange, white or pink
tips
The selection of gorse and similar plants is so large that you are sure to find a suitable plant for your purposes.