How to Grow Genista Lydia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Genista lydia is a small, deciduous shrub that is native to southern Europe. It has bright green leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in the spring. Genista lydia is a popular plant for gardens and parks because it is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.

How to Grow Genista Lydia - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Broom
  • Gorse
  • Furze
  • Whin
  • Sweetspire

Good to Know

  • Genista lydia is a species of flowering plant in the broomrape family.
  • It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia.
  • It is an evergreen shrub growing to 5 m (5 ft) tall.
  • The leaves are lanceolate, 6–12 mm (0.24–0.47 in) long.
  • The flowers are yellow, produced in racemes up to 18 cm (7 in) long.
  • The fruit is a legume, pods 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) long containing black seeds.
  • Genista lydia is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its bright yellow flowers.
  • It has been introduced to many other parts of the world and has become naturalized in some places.
  • It is considered an invasive species in Australia and New Zealand.
  • It is a larval host plant for the painted lady butterfly (Cynaura cardui).

How to Grow

  1. For genista lydia, first step is to find a sunny spot in your yard or garden that has well-drained soil.
  2. If you are growing genista lydia from seed, sow the seeds in a seed tray or pot filled with seed starting mix.
  3. Water the seeds gently and keep the seed tray or pot in a warm, bright place.
  4. Once the genista lydia seeds have germinated, transplant the seedlings into individual pots filled with potting mix.
  5. Water the seedlings regularly and allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between watering.
  6. When the genista lydia seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them into your garden.
  7. Space the plants 2 to 3 feet apart.
  8. Water the plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  9. Genista lydia plants will bloom in late spring or early summer.
  10. To encourage more blooms, deadhead the flowers regularly.

Soil Condition

About soil condition,genista lydia grows in moist to wet, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, the sun is very important to Genista Lydia. It needs at least six hours of sunlight a day to stay healthy and produce beautiful flowers. If it doesn't get enough sun, the plant will become leggy and the flowers will be smaller and fewer in number. So, if you want your Genista Lydia to thrive, make sure it has plenty of sunlight.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for growth and development of the plant known as Genista lydia is one that is warm and sunny. This plant is a native of the Mediterranean region and thrives in areas that mimic these climatic conditions. In its natural habitat, the plant is often found growing in rocky or sandy soil in full sun. When cultivated in other parts of the world, it is important to provide Genista lydia with a well-drained soil mix and to position it in an area of the garden that receives a good amount of sunlight each day. With these basic needs met, the plant will produce an abundance of bright yellow blooms from mid-spring through early summer.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%, but it can tolerate some range below that. If the humidity drops too low, the leaves will start to drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, usually the plant food, provides the macro and micronutrients needed by the plant to survive and grow. Fertilizers are often applied to the root system where they are taken up by the plant and transported to the leaves, stems, and flowers.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for your genista lydia plant. By pruning, you can encourage new growth and keep your plant healthy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. You can also trim back any branches that are growing too large.

About Propagating

Propagation of Genista lydia is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free stems and planted in a rooting medium of sand and peat. The cutting should be placed under mist or in a plastic bag to maintain high humidity and prevent wilting. Rooting will usually occur within 4-6 weeks. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into a pot or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate research has been conducted in the Mediterranean region. The average growth rate of this species has been found to be between 2 and 3 centimeters per year. However, there has been some evidence of higher growth rates in certain locations. One study found that the growth rate of genista lydia in Sardinia was 5 centimeters per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are few, but include scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the plant is heavily infested, it may need to be treated with a more powerful insecticide. Genista lydia is also susceptible to root rot, so it's important to make sure the plant is not overwatered.

Basics of Growing

  • If you are growing genista lydia from seed, start them indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date in your area.
  • Genista lydia prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
  • The plants are drought tolerant once they are established, so water them only when the soil is dry to the touch.
  • Genista lydia can be planted in well-drained soil of any type.
  • Add a general-purpose fertilizer to the soil before planting.
  • Space the plants three to four feet apart.
  • When the plants are six to eight inches tall, pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth.
  • Genista lydia blooms from late spring to early summer.
  • Deadhead the spent flowers to prolong the blooming season.
  • Genista lydia can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.

Substitution

  • Genista lusitanica is known as Andaluza, Bejarana, Autrán and large-flowered Andaluz in the Spanish vernaculars.
  • Genista lydia, named the Dwarf broom, is a low-growing subshrub widely distributed in the Mediterranean region.
  • Genista pilosa, the hairy broom, is a species in the genus Genista, belonging to the family Fabaceae.
  • Genista cinerea, known as pale broom and grey genista, is a species in the genus Genista.
  • Genista hispanica, the Spanish broom, is a species in the genus Genista, belonging to the family Fabaceae.
  • Genista corsica, known as Corsican broom and Genête Corse, is a species in the genus Genista.
  • Genista sardoa, known as Sardinian broom and

Source:
Genista lydia (Fabaceae) image 92840 at PhytoImages.siu.edu
Assoc Prof Lydia Helena Wong | Academic Profile | DR-NTU
Lydia in the Bible - Regent University

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category