Mount Porlock Broom

Genista x spachiana 'Porlock' (often sold as Genista 'Porlock') is a vigorous semi-evergreen shrub that provides a massive burst of scent and colour to the early spring garden. In mild winters, it remains fully evergreen, and by March or April, it is almost entirely covered in terminal racemes of bright, golden-yellow pea-like flowers. The scent is incredibly powerful and sweet, often carry across the entire garden on a sunny day. It has an upright, bushy habit, eventually reaching up to 2-3 metres in height if left unpruned. In the UK, it is rated H4, making it suitable for most areas if given a sheltered position against a wall or in a courtyard. It is an excellent choice for a Mediterranean-themed border or a large container. It prefers well-drained, even poor soil, and must have full sun to flower well. After flowering, successful gardeners often prune the branches back by half to keep the plant dense and floriferous. It is highly attractive to early-emerging bumblebees.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr, May.