Broom 'Porlock'

Genista 'Porlock' is a vigorous, semi-evergreen shrub that brings a massive burst of scent and colour to the garden in late spring. This hybrid is particularly notable for its intense, sweet fragrance, which can carry across an entire garden on a warm day. It produces a profusion of bright, golden-yellow pea-like flowers held in dense racemes. The habit is upright and bushy, making it an excellent choice for a sunny corner or at the back of a Mediterranean border. In the UK, it is relatively hardy (H4) but prefers a sheltered spot away from cold, drying winds. It is extremely tolerant of poor, sandy soils and is very drought-hardy once established. To keep the plant tidy and prevent it from becoming too leggy, it should be pruned lightly immediately after flowering. Its fine green stems provide structural interest even when the small leaves have dropped in colder winters.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, poor soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.