Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Ulex europaeus or Common gorse

The genus Ulex, family Fabaceae, comprises 20 species of shrubs native to western Europe and northwestern Africa. Some species are: Ulex europaeus, Ulex parviflorus, Ulex gallii, Ulex minor, Ulex cantabricus, Ulex densus.

Common names: Common gorse, Furze, Whin. This species is native to the British Isles and Western Europe.

They are thorny bushes that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The leaves are trifoliate on young plants; then they turn into spines or scales. The abundant and fragrant flowers are deep yellow. They bloom in spring and summer. The fruits are pods that burst releasing the seeds.

They are used to form bushy groups, impenetrable screens and as isolated specimens.

Ulex europaeus needs full sun exposure and average annual temperatures of 15-25 ºC (59-77 ºF).

To achieve an abundant flowering the soil must be very well drained and contain chalk and coarse sand; if the soil is fertile and humid it produces more leaves than flowers. Planting is done in spring or autumn.

Water regularly waiting for the substrate to be almost dry; increase watering in summer and reduce it in winter.

They do not need pruning or fertilizers.

They are shrubs very resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring in the final location or in small individual pots for easy planting.

Images of the shrub Ulex europaeus or Common gorse