Lydia Broom

Lydia broom (Genista lydia) is a low shrub with slender, arching stems and bright yellow, pea-shaped flowers in spring. Its spreading form brings fine texture to sunny rock gardens, dry walls, and the front of a shrub border; it is deciduous in cold climates but may stay evergreen in warm areas. ## Garden use Use it where the stems can arch over a ledge or soften the edge of a path. The plant is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia; the common garden form stays low, though wild plants can vary in habit. ## Growing conditions Give Lydia broom full sun and well-drained soil, including poor or stony ground. Water regularly while it establishes, then keep it on the dry side. Oregon State University describes a cultivated height near 2 feet, while mature spread varies among references and forms. ## Maintenance After flowering, lightly trim the shoots to keep the plant compact. Avoid hard pruning into old wood, which may not produce new growth. [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/genista-lydia) lists Lydia Broom and Lydia Woadwaxen as common names; [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/7732/genista-lydia/details) recommends full sun, well-drained soil, and light pruning after bloom. “Spanish Gorse” is documented for *Genista hispanica*, while Lydia Broom is a common name for *G. lydia*. ([Trees and Shrubs Online](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/genista/genista-hispanica/)).