Genista pilosa — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Genista pilosa

Genista Pilosa

Updated · 1,504 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Genista pilosa, commonly known as Hairy Greenweed, is a small shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Native to Europe, this plant thrives in diverse habitats such as heathlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. It grows up to 60 cm in height and has a bushy appearance with numerous branches covered in small, hairy green leaves. The bright yellow flowers bloom from May to August in dense clusters at the tips of the branches.

Hairy Greenweed plays a vital role in supporting wildlife, providing food for various insects including bees, butterflies, and moths. Additionally, it has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, particularly for its anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is important to note that some parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals in large quantities.

A note from PlantMom

Hairy greenweed has strong resistance to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When planted outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they have finished blooming. Hairy greenweedt is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much gardening experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Genista Pilosa.

Light

Hairy greenweed is a plant that does best with abundant sunlight but can survive stretches of lower light. This dependence comes from its native habitat, which maintains a balance of shade and sun. Too much or too little light can influence the vigor of its growth.

Water

Hairy greenweed thrives in conditions similar to its natural habitat. This plant prefers drier soils and is highly drought-tolerant, only needing watering every two weeks. It is commonly grown outdoors, where it demonstrates resilience to changes in moisture levels. Hairy greenweed flourishes in temperate climates with well-draining soil.

Humidity

This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Temperature

Hairy greenweed is highly adaptable to a variety of climate conditions, whether facing scorching summers or cold winters. Nevertheless, it has a preferred temperature range for optimal growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant is susceptible to heat and humidity stress, which can lead to its death. In areas where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, applying insulation measures is important to protect the plant.

Fertilizer

Timing is important when fertilizing Hairy greenweed. Apply fertilizer in early spring and repeat monthly until early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant periods and active growth.

Pruning

Hairy greenweed, known for its hairy stems and yellow flowers, thrives with proper pruning. To keep it in good shape, it's best to prune in early spring. This helps maintain its form, remove dead branches for better airflow, and enhance its flowering. Regular pruning supports its compact growth, making it an ideal choice for garden beds and borders.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Genista
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-8
Mature Height
30 cm to 46 cm
Mature Spread
61 cm to 91 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Hairy greenweed en Gold flash broom en Silky-leaf woodwaxen en Silkyleaf woodwaxen en Silky broom
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Hairy greenweed plant in the best way?

To ensure excellent root development, place a garden hose at the plant base. Avoid spraying the leaves directly. If the leaves are outdoors and in direct sunlight, keep in mind that they will need more watering. You can use bubblers to moisten the roots of each plant. Consider using soaker hoses that cover the entire garden or bed when adding or removing plants to ensure deep root penetration. After watering, drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering again. To prevent diseases, water at ground level. On a sunny day, you may want to spray the entire bush with water. Whether potted or in-ground, remember that Hairy greenweed prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

What are the sunlight requirements for Hairy greenweed?

Hairy greenweed thrives under abundant solar exposure, necessitating more than 6 hours of sunlight for full sun conditions and about 3-6 hours of sunlight for partial sun conditions. It's important to observe how sunlight moves through your garden to ensure you choose spots that offer the right balance of light and shade for your plants, guaranteeing their growth and happiness.

What is Hairy greenweed?

Hairy greenweed, botanically known as Genista pilosa, is a species of flowering plant. The details regarding its essentials, such as uses or cultivation tips, and symptoms, presumably related to conditions it may treat or signs of its health, have not been provided.

What should I do if I give Hairy greenweed too much or too little water?

An overwatered Hairy greenweed may exhibit signs such as yellowing, dropping, and wilting leaves, as well as a dull and unhealthy appearance with mushy stems. Adjusting your watering schedule is recommended once these signs appear. However, wilting can also be a sign of under watering, indicated by crispy and dry leaves. In such cases, when the soil is dry and simply watering is insufficient, a thorough watering is necessary. Sufficient water will help the Hairy greenweed recover, but the plant may still have dry and yellow leaves for a few days due to root damage. Once the plant returns to normal, the yellowing leaves will cease. When growing Hairy greenweed indoors, it is important to regularly check moisture levels and avoid overwatering. If black spots are present, allow the soil in the pot to dry out by refraining from watering for a few days. Overwatering can promote root rot, so if discolored and slimy roots are evident, it may be advisable to transfer the plant to a different pot and prevent excessive soil moisture. When planting Hairy greenweed outdoors, ensure that the soil is sufficiently moist. If the soil feels too dry when checked with your fingers, it may indicate underwatering, and appropriate watering is required to aid in the plant's recovery.

How should artificial lighting be used for indoor Hairy greenweed plants?

When natural sunlight is insufficient for indoor Hairy greenweed plants, particularly in winter or less sunny spaces, artificial lights can provide a vital solution. Opt for LED lights as they can be customized to deliver specific wavelengths needed by your plants. Full sun plants require 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants require 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

How many times should I water my Hairy greenweed?

The Hairy greenweed prefers deep, infrequent watering, especially when planted in pots. Potted plants have limited water storage and their soil dries out quickly, so it's important to water them every 3 to 5 days if you live in a cold region. Watering early in the morning when the soil is dry, both indoors and outdoors, is ideal. You can check if watering is needed by examining the soil: if the top 2-3 inches are dry, it's time to water the plant. In hot weather, check the moisture daily as the heat can quickly dry out potted soil. If you have a garden, it also needs irrigation. In a hot climate, watering once a week is sufficient when the soil becomes too dry 2 to 3 inches down. Avoid watering if there has been a lot of rainfall to prevent root rot. Hairy greenweed typically grows in spring and fall. When planted outside, adding 3 to 4 inches of mulch helps conserve water. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering due to faster drainage, while clay soil needs less frequent watering to prevent root rot. To keep track of watering, mark the date on a calendar and pay attention to drooping leaves, a sign that you might be a day late with watering.

What are the symptoms of insufficient or excessive sunlight in Hairy greenweed?

Hairy greenweed is sensitive to its lighting environment. Symptoms of insufficient sunlight include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, lighter-colored new leaves, and symptoms of excessive sunlight include chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These indicate issues with chlorophyll production, water loss, and overall plant health.

How much water does my Hairy greenweed plant need?

The Hairy greenweed typically requires a gallon of water on a regular basis. For potted plants, water them deeply until water begins to drip at the bottom of the pot. Allow the soil to dry before watering again. To determine the amount of water given to your plant weekly, you can use a water calculator or moisture meter. During the flowering period, provide ample water but allow the moisture to evaporate to avoid root rot. If the Hairy greenweed is planted outdoors and receives sufficient rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. However, when the plant is young or newly planted, ensure it receives 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the Hairy greenweed matures, it can rely solely on rainfall. Only during extremely hot weather or prolonged periods without rainfall should you consider watering the plant fully during cooler moments of the day to prevent heat damage. Additional watering may be required during extended dry spells.

What solutions can help Hairy greenweed plants with light issues?

To address light issues for indoor Hairy greenweed, gradually move the plant to a sunnier spot, aiming for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Consider using artificial light for large or immobile plants, keeping a lamp on for at least 8 hours a day. For outdoor plants, adapt them to sunnier locations gradually to avoid sunburn. Pruning obstructing trees can allow more sunlight for ground-planted greens. Affected parts may not recover, but new growth will be healthy with increased light exposure.

Should I change how often I water my Hairy greenweed based on the time of year or the weather?

The Hairy greenweed is an outdoor plant that prefers to rely on rainwater, but it may require additional watering during persistent dry weather. In spring and fall, keep the soil moist but not soggy, alternating between dry and moist conditions. In hot summer weather or during a lack of rainfall, water more frequently to maintain moisture. During winter, the Hairy greenweed needs less water as it loses its leaves and goes dormant. Use well-draining, moisture-retentive soil and terracotta pots to help with water evaporation in winter. Once the plant begins to leaf out and go dormant, you can stop watering as it can rely on fall and winter rains. Cultivate the plant after spring to encourage growth and blooming. Ensure good drainage at all times, especially in winter, to prevent ponding or drought. When the plant is in a pot, water it well, especially during summer, and provide adequate drainage to avoid cold and wet roots. Water the entire root system deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather, and avoid shallow sprinkles that reach only the leaves. Don't let the plants completely dry out in fall or winter, even during dormancy. Avoid overwatering, as the plants do not like sitting in water for too long, and ensure the soil drains well to prevent winter damage. Applying mulch can help reduce stress, conserve water, and promote healthy blooms.

What do I need to pay attention to when watering my Hairy greenweed in different seasons, climates, or when it's growing at different times?

When planting Hairy greenweed in the ground, it primarily relies on rain. However, if there is a lack of rainfall for 2-3 weeks, you should consider deep watering the plants. If watering during summer, it is best to do so in the morning to avoid stressing the roots with a large temperature difference. Also, avoid watering when it is too hot outside. Mulching should be started in the spring, when the ground is not too cold. The age of the plants is important, as newly planted ones often fail to grow due to lack of water. Once established, watering should be reduced. In the fall and winter, especially if there is a water-retaining material in the soil, watering should be decreased to prevent dryness caused by winter winds. Windy seasons generally require more watering. Potted plants dry out faster and require more water. If you notice less blooming and drying leaves, it may be a sign that they need more water. Potted plants can be more challenging to water and have variable watering needs. Avoid letting them sit in water by not using containers with saucers, bowls, or trays. Overwatering in the fall can cause mottled or yellowish foliage. It is always better to prevent overwatering, regardless of the climate or season. During flowering months, watering frequency may need to be increased, but once the plants are fully grown, they can be given a rest. Water them adequately every 3 to 5 days, but avoid sticking to a regular watering schedule. Check the soil's dryness by inserting a finger in the pot or using a moisture meter if uncertain. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to root rot and plant death, so it is important to be cautious regardless of the climate or season in your area.

Why do I need to water my Hairy greenweed?

Watering the Hairy greenweed is crucial for delivering necessary nutrients from the soil to the entire plant. To ensure the species remains healthy, it is important to understand the right amount of water to provide. The watering needs of the plant will be influenced by the local weather conditions and the type of soil it is planted in. While the Hairy greenweed thrives in moist soil, it cannot tolerate excessive waterlogging. When planting it in the ground, it is recommended to use sufficient mulch and avoid under-watering. When grown in a pot, the plant benefits from a thorough watering that keeps the base moist to promote vibrant blooms. If cultivating the plant for foliage, watering should reach a depth of 10 to 20 inches to support growth. During rainy periods, it is advisable to avoid additional watering and allow the plant to obtain nutrients from the rainwater.

PLATES
Genista pilosa leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Genista pilosa leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Genista pilosa flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Genista pilosa flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Genista pilosa fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Genista pilosa fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
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