Care of the shrub Calicotome villosa or Spiny broom |
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The genus Calicotome, family Fabaceae, comprises 6 species of shrubs native to the Mediterranean region. Some species are: Calicotome villosa, Calicotome spinosa, Calicotome intermedia. Common names: Hairy thorny broom, Spiny broom. This species is native to the eastern Mediterranean region. They are deciduous shrubs with whitish branches and thorns that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves are trifoliate and deep green on the upper side and hairy on the underside. The attractive yellow flowers bloom in spring. The fruits are pods with white hairs. They are used on dry and sunny slopes (they fix Nitrogen to the ground), to form impenetrable barriers or as isolated specimens. Do not plant in areas where its thorns pass through. They are not suitable for pots because they tolerate transplantation poorly. Calicotome villosa needs full sun exposure and a Mediterranean climate. Resist sporadic frosts down to about -8 ºC (17.6 ºF). They prefer well-drained soil; they can be grown on sandy, calcareous or poor soils. Water regularly waiting for the soil to dry. They do not need fertilizers. Prune wilted branches after flowering. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They propagate by cuttings in summer or by seeds sown in a seedbed previously soaked for 24 hours. |
Images of the shrub Calicotome villosa or Spiny broom |
 Calicotome villosa  Calicotome villosa  Calicotome villosa |