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Dwarf Broom Genista lydia

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
jeh-NIS-tah LID-ee-ah
Description

Lydia broom is a low-growing shrub in the legume family native to the Balkans, Turkey and Syria. It is deciduous in northern climates and evergreen in warm winter areas. It generally only reaches 2 feet in height and blooms profusely with yellow pea-like flowers in spring. It is multi-branched and low-growing with an open form and arching branches. It remains attractive even after flowering.

The Genus name comes from the Latin name planta genista from which the Plantagenet kings and queens of England took their name.

This shrub prefers full sun in well-drained sandy alkaline soil and tolerates poor soil, (it fixes nitrogen) drought, heat, salt and deer. The shrub should only be pruned after flowering. Use this plant in a drought-tolerant garden or xeriscape application. It can be planted in small areas, as a foundation plant or in groups.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems. Watch for aphids.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Bangle® '
    Lower growing to 12 inches tall
'Bangle® '
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#low growing#small shrub#yellow flowers#spring flowers#slopes#well-drained soil#groundcover#poor soils tolerant#sandy soil#heavy blooming#banks
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Bangle® '
    Lower growing to 12 inches tall
'Bangle® '
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#low growing#small shrub#yellow flowers#spring flowers#slopes#well-drained soil#groundcover#poor soils tolerant#sandy soil#heavy blooming#banks
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Genista
    Species:
    lydia
    Family:
    Fabaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Balkans, Turkey and Syria
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Open
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Legume
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The brown legumes are oblong, flat, glabrous and mature in fall.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Irregular
    Lipped
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Clusters of 0.4 in. bright yellow pea-shaped flowers cover the shrub in spring.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Simple oval leaves are alternate with pinnate venation. They are small, up to 1/2 inch long and spaced about 1/2 inch apart. May have a yellow fall color.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Glabrous green stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Pool/Hardscape
    Slope/Bank
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Mass Planting
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Heat
    Salt
    Urban Conditions