Genista x spachiana 'Anna'

The common broom, scientifically known as Genista x spachiana 'Anna', is a delightful flowering shrub that boasts several appealing characteristics. It is a popular choice among garden enthusiasts due to its sweet scent, beautiful yellow-medium yellow flowers, and its ability to withstand moderately cold winter temperatures (USDA-zone 7).

A notable feature of the common broom is its sweet fragrance. The flowers emit a pleasant scent that can fill the air and bring a delightful aroma to any garden or outdoor space. Gardeners who enjoy the appeal of scented plants will find the common broom to be a perfect addition to their collection.

In terms of its winter hardiness, the common broom is considered reasonable. It can tolerate colder temperatures and is suitable for areas with USDA-zone 7 classification. This makes it a suitable choice for gardeners living in regions with moderately cold winters.

The common broom's striking yellow-medium yellow flowers are a sight to behold. They add a vibrant burst of color to any garden or landscape. The flowers are arranged in racemes, creating a beautiful display. With inflorescences ranging from 5 to 10 cm in length and 2 to 3 cm in diameter, the common broom's flowers are visually appealing and can captivate the attention of onlookers.

When it comes to soil fertility, the common broom does not have any special demands. It can thrive in various soil types, including peaty soil, and does not require specific pH requirements. This adaptability makes it a versatile and easy-to-grow plant for gardeners with different soil conditions.

In terms of structure, the common broom is categorized as subshrubby/semi-shrubby. It grows to a height of 20 to 30 cm, making it a compact plant suitable for smaller gardens or as a border plant in larger landscapes. The leaves are tricompound, meaning they are divided into three smaller leaflets. They have a hairy surface and are medium green in color.

Moisture requirements for the common broom are well-drained soil. It cannot tolerate excessive moisture, so it is essential to ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging. This makes it suitable for gardens with well-drained soils or areas where proper soil preparation can be done to ensure adequate drainage.

The common broom thrives in semi-shaded light conditions. While it can tolerate partial shade, it still requires a sufficient amount of sunlight to bloom and grow properly. Hence, it is ideal for gardens that receive partial sun or areas with filtered sunlight.

In conclusion, the common broom (Genista x spachiana 'Anna') is a delightful flowering shrub with several appealing characteristics. From its sweet-scented flowers and vibrant yellow-medium yellow color to its adaptability to different soil types and reasonable winter hardiness, it is a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape. With its compact size and tricompound leaves, it can bring beauty and charm to various outdoor spaces. Additionally, its semi-shaded light requirements and well-drained soil make it a versatile plant suited for different gardening situations. Gardeners looking for an attractive and low-maintenance flowering shrub should consider adding the common broom to their collection.

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