Care of the shrub Retama monosperma or Bridal broom |
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The genus Retama, family Fabaceae, includes 3 species of shrubs native to the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands. The species are: Retama monosperma, Retama sphaerocarpa and Retama raetam. Common name: Bridal broom. This species is native to the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. They are elegant shrubs highly branched from the base with long and hanging branches that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They have small, linear, deciduous leaves and white flowers that appear in small but abundant clusters; they have the typical butterfly shape of the Fabaceae. They bloom during the spring. They are used as isolated specimens in dry areas of the garden, to form bushy groups and to fix sandy slopes and dunes. They are ideal plants for gardens by the sea. Monosperma Retama needs a very sunny exposure. They resist occasional low intensity frosts. They can grow in poor, sandy soils and even with some salinity. It's important that they have good drainage. Water moderately throughout the year waiting for the substrate to dry completely. They resist drought well. They do not need fertilizers. They can be lightly pruned each year after flowering to maintain a compact appearance They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated by cuttings in fall or from seeds sown in spring; immerse them in very hot water for 5 seconds before sowing. |
Images of the shrub Retama monosperma or Bridal broom |
 Retama monosperma  Retama monosperma  Retama monosperma  Retama monosperma |