Genista germanica
Genista germanica
Safety & Hazards
None known
Cultivation Details
Genista germanica is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -25°c when dormant[1]. Grows best in a sunny position[2]. Easily grown in a light well-drained soil[3]. Plants grow very rank in rich soils[2]. Prefers a rather dry soil[2]. Succeeds in acid or basic soils[1]. Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible[2]. Whenever possible, genistas should be raised from seed, as plants so obtained are usually healthier and longer-lived than cuttings[2]. Plants do not usually resprout well if cut back into old wood, older plants can be best kept more compact by lightly cutting back the young growth after flowering. The taller species are all improved by shortening back several times in the young state in order to induce a bushy habit[2]. 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[1].
Propagation
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 late winter in a cold frame. Good germination[4]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, taken in mid to late summer, placed in very sandy soil in a frame. Roots are usually produced in the spring[2]. Cuttings of ripe wood, 5 - 10 cm with a heel, early autumn in a frame. Good percentage. Plant out the following autumn[4]. Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2026-02-21. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Genista+germanica>
Pollinators
Bees
References
- [1]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
- [2]Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. — Bean. W. · Murray · 1981 · ISBN - ↩︎A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
- [3]RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 — F. Chittendon. · Oxford University Press · 1951 · ISBN - ↩︎Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [ 200 ]).
- [4]Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. — Sheat. W. G. · MacMillan and Co · 1948 · ISBN - ↩︎A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.
- [5]IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — http://www.iucnredlist.org/ ↩︎A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
- [6]Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. — Polunin. O. · Oxford University Press · 1969 · ISBN 0192176218 ↩︎An excellent and well illustrated pocket guide for those with very large pockets. Also gives some details on plant uses.
- [7]A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. — Usher. G. · Constable · 1974 · ISBN 0094579202 ↩︎Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.