Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Genista aetnensis is my favorite plant in the garden, this week…


It’s hard to have a favorite plant when most of the garden is hidden under snow and what plants you can see are deformed by a load of ice. However there is one plant that looks its best when its thin branches are outlined by a little frost or ice; Genista aetnensis

Some of you may remember I posted about this plant a couple of years ago, but I thought it deserved an official “fav” designation. It’s great for adding height to a garden without creating a lot of shade, since its tiny leaves are almost nonexistent. When the small yellow, and very fragrant, flowers appear in midsummer though it’s hard to miss!

My two plants have stayed on the small side, so far. I’m not complaining, after seeing this one at Jungle Fever in Tacoma, WA, I was a little concerned.

Here’s another specimen, on a much nicer day and in someone else’s garden.

And my second G. aetnensis, which is much smaller and very unhappy about the ice.

The stats:
  • Genista aetnensis or Mount Etna broom is a large shrub or small tree endemic to Sicily and Sardinia where it is associated with sunny, open landscapes and poor, stony soil (source)
  • Hardiness reports vary but general consensus seems to be in the USDA Zone 7/8 range
  • Eventual height 12-25ft tall
  • Occasional water/drought tolerant and likes full sun
  • Unlike the invasive Scotch Broom this one does not reseed

Do you have a favorite plant in your garden this week?

All material © 2009-2014 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

14 comments:

  1. What an amazing fav! They have great structure. Whats the name of the one with white blooms? that one smells absolutely divine.

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    1. Wow Louis I haven't a clue. I don't remember ever seeing one with white blooms.

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  2. When this blooms at Jungle Fever, I go to visit just to be in the presence of that amazing fragrance! Mine is much smaller and had a couple of blooms for the first time last summer. Hapy ice gardening!

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    1. Thankfully the ice is gone...hopefully NOT to return again anytime soon!

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  3. Just beautiful. It would look amazing in our yard because it mixes well with Mediterranean perennials and succulents. Hmmm....

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    1. I've joked that I love this tree because it's as close as I can get to a Palo Verde...

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  4. Looks beautiful and even more tactile covered with ice like that!

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    1. A nice frosty morning does the same thing, but usually happens so early I'm not willing to get dressed to go out and take pictures.

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  5. A plant that looks that beautiful under such dramatically different circumstances certainly deserves acclaim. I'm already wondering where I could put one. There's no ice here and today's temperature is already over 75F. I picked an appropriately sunny choice this week: http://dangergarden.blogspot.com/2014/02/genista-aetnensis-is-my-favorite-plant.html

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    1. 75F! Heaven. We got up to a nice toasty 54F, after last week it felt super wonderful.

      Oh you know how I love your favorite! http://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-favorite-plant-this-week.html

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  6. I LOVE this. Absolutely gorgeous! With and without ice, young and mature. The second photo could be an ornament with glass pieces for leaves. Lovely.
    Fave this week: http://crmbsgrdn.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/my-favourite-plant-in-garden-this-week_13.html

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    1. I do prefer it without ice, definitely. Okay off to discover your fav...

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  7. I have an unfortunate automatic negative reaction to anything that looks like Scotch broom, but I'm slowly learning to give the non-weedy ones a chance. That specimen at Jungle Fever is wonderful. Great form! While I dislike freezing rain, I have to admit it produces some beautiful effects. That last shot is wonderful.

    I'm joining in on the favorite plant fun! My favorite this week is yet another houseplant. http://practicalplantgeek.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-favorite-plantthis-week.html

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    1. When you do make that trip down to Cistus you should stop in Jungle Fever on the way. Have you been? A bit off I-5 in Tacoma, do walk up the street a bit and enjoy the owners home garden behind the nursery.

      Off to check out your fav!...

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