Anglica Broom

genista anglica

Also known as: ["Dwarf Broom","St. John's Broom"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Genista Category: Shrubs

Overview

A low-growing, deciduous shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia, characterized by its slender stems and small, bright yellow flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Genista
Botanical Name: Genista anglica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: rock garden, sunny border, or open field
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Place in brightest window; rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains in intense summer sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; use gritty mixes for best results.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate cooler conditions but avoid frost.

Avoid drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme heat or cold.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings (softwood or semi-hardwood).

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is present.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for better success.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use clean tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back to promote branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out circling roots; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prefers being slightly root-bound.

Checklist

Check root boundness; use fresh soil; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage; reduce winter watering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturation. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the root ball, avoiding stem and leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or dieback, especially if soil is wet.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry; provide frost protection if outdoors in cold climates.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, or wilting, especially if combined with poor watering.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Genista anglica may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Genista anglica can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, disrupting nutrient uptake and potentially leading to plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Genista anglica may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis, defoliation, and weakened plant vigor.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Genista anglica is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Genista anglica is toxic to cats, with the seeds and leaves containing cytisine that can induce severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. Cats are highly susceptible to these toxins, which can result in critical health issues upon ingestion.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors seizures difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care immediately. Prompt treatment is essential to mitigate severe effects.
Dogs
Toxic

The seeds and leaves of Genista anglica are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cytisine, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Dogs are particularly sensitive to these compounds, which can lead to serious health complications if ingested.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors seizures difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Humans
Toxic

Genista anglica contains toxic compounds, primarily cytisine, which acts as a nicotinic receptor agonist, leading to neurological and gastrointestinal disturbances. Ingestion can cause significant physiological stress, particularly affecting the central nervous system and digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness tremors confusion seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion, seek immediate medical attention. Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Genista anglica toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Genista anglica attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its fragrant flowers.

Q: How drought-tolerant is Genista anglica?

A: It is moderately drought-tolerant once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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