Genista pilosa Vancouver Gold

Genista pilosa 'Vancouver Gold', also known as Hairy Broom, is a small deciduous bush that thrives in full sun with a rounded and prostrate habit, making it an excellent ground cover. In late spring and early summer, it practically disappears under its abundant and sparkling golden yellow flowering. Appreciated for rock gardens, slopes, borders, and flowerbeds, it will create a beautiful golden cascade if grown in a container on a terrace. Very hardy, tolerant of various soil types, resistant to drought and salt spray, this creeping broom will find its place in a dry coastal garden as well as in most regions.

The Genista genus includes about a hundred species belonging to the legume family. They are shrubs that can be deciduous or evergreen, but their branches remain green and decorative all year round. Genista pilosa is a shrub with a prostrate or semi-erect habit, forming well-filled cushions. It has hairy and ascending stems, covered with discreet dark green foliage. The leaves are deciduous, simple, alternate, and very small, ranging from 0.5 to 2cm (0.2 to 0.8in) long. They have a silky hair on the underside. The 'Vancouver Gold' variety of Genista pilosa shares many similarities with the species. However, it distinguishes itself with its rounded and prostrate habit, forming a fairly regular creeping bush. Its branches spread up to 1m (3ft 4in) in width while its height is limited to 45cm. The Hairy Broom 'Vancouver Gold' makes an excellent ground cover as its vegetation is dense and carpeting. In late spring and early summer, Genista pilosa is adorned with a generous bright yellow flowering, composed of small pea-like flowers measuring 0.5 to 1cm (0.2 to 0.4in) long, arranged in long clusters of 7 to 15cm (2.8 to 5.9in). The flowering of the 'Vancouver Gold' variety is exceptionally radiant. From May to June, and even until July, the shrub literally disappears under a profusion of bright lemon yellow flowers. This dazzling flowering abundantly illuminates its space, even on grey days!

Genista pilosa is native to southern Europe where it naturally grows in forests and heathlands, sometimes up to an altitude of 1300m (4265ft). It is present throughout the French territory as it resists both drought and cold weather. Indeed, it can withstand temperatures of at least -15°C (5 °F) and is one of the hardiest shrubs in its genus. But it is also a must-have for dry and Mediterranean gardens as it has significant resistance to drought and heat. Genista pilosa prefers sunny or slightly shaded locations, poor and well-drained soils with an acidic tendency. It can still tolerate limestone soils but may develop chlorosis. Apart from its aversion to windy spaces and transplantations, it is a vigorous shrub that can live for many years without difficulty. Watering is unnecessary except in prolonged drought or heatwaves. To maintain a dense and rounded habit, prune it every year before the start of vegetation, from February to June. Be careful to prune only the young wood as Brooms flower on the previous year's wood. This operation will promote the branching of the shrub and, at the same time, the flowering of the following year.

Genista pilosa 'Vancouver Gold' is used as a border plant and in rock gardens, but it can also cascade down a slope. It pairs well with Mediterranean plants such as lavender, Grevillea juniperina, or Gaura Lindheimeri. In colder regions, you can accompany it with hardy perennials like Aster or St. John's Wort, which will take over the flowering after the broom in June. On a terrace or balcony, the Hairy Broom 'Vancouver Gold' will dress up troughs and pots with a charming golden cascade. Note that it is resistant to salt spray, allowing it to adorn any seaside exterior.