ShrubsGenista lydia
Lydian Broom
Lydian Broom is a compact, dome-shaped shrub that becomes completely covered in small, bright yellow flowers in May and June. The fine, densely branched green stems arch gracefully and form a tight cushion. The plant is ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and the front of dry borders.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 30–60 cm
- Spread
- 50–100 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–8
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- yellow
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil. Lydian Broom is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives best in lean, stony ground. Do not fertilise — the plant fixes its own nitrogen. Watering is virtually unnecessary once established.
Pruning tips
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain the compact shape. Cut back spent shoots but avoid pruning into old wood. The plant is short-lived (around 10 years) and is best replaced then.
Good companions
ShrubsCytisus scoparius
Common Broom
Common Broom is a cheerfully flowering shrub that becomes smothered in bright yellow, butterfly-shaped flowers in May and June. The fine, broom-like green stems give the plant an airy look, even in winter. Broom is especially suited to dry, poor soil and enriches the ground with nitrogen through root nodules.
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
Ornamental grassesFestuca glauca
Blue Fescue
Blue Fescue is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass with a striking blue-grey colour that forms dense, dome-shaped tufts. In June and July, beige flower plumes emerge above the foliage. The grass is ideal for dry, sunny borders, rock gardens, and contemporary plantings.