Orobanche rapum-genistae, the greater broomrape, is a plant species in the genus Orobanche. It is a parasitic plant, native to Europe, growing on the roots of plants in the bean family, usually common broom or European gorse.
Greater broomrape shows strong resistance to diseases and is generally not very susceptible to them. Still, it can be affected by pests and illnesses present in its environment. Such infections are typically mild. Regarding upkeep, this plant requires a moderate level of care. It should be pruned on a regular basis to preserve a good appearance and encourage healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also help stimulate flowering. Greater broomrape is appropriate for anyone with outdoor areas like a garden or patio and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need extra attention if cultivated indoors.
How to keep Orobanche Rapum Genistae.
Light
Greater broomrape naturally occurs in habitats like forest understories or rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, illustrating its versatile, hardy nature.
Water
Greater broomrape thrives in arid climates due to its exceptional drought resistance. To maintain its water balance, it needs weekly watering. During dry seasons, it sheds its leaves to conserve moisture, demonstrating its adaptive survival mechanisms.
Humidity
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
Temperature
Greater broomrape can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be constrained by different combinations of moisture and heat. It grows best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures can raise the chance of Greater broomrape dying. In winter, appropriate protection from cold can improve the plant's survival rate.
Fertilizer
One fertilizer treatment in spring is generally adequate for Greater broomrape, though repeated feedings can enhance growth. Feed every month to six weeks. Fertilization improves leaf appearance and function, helping maintain uniform color and healthy texture. It also promotes root development and nutrient uptake for long-term plant health.
Pruning
Greater broomrape is a parasitic plant that does not produce chlorophyll. It requires minimal pruning. To manage its spread and support the host plants, you should trim any dead growth or dense areas between early and late spring. Be cautious not to over-prune, as excessive cutting could disrupt the lifecycle of the greater broomrape and upset the balance of your garden.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Orobanche
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 6-9
- Mature Height
- 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm to 20 cm
- Leaf Color
- Brown, Tan
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Tan
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
- Native Area
- Germany, Tunisia, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Albania, Ireland, United Kingdom, Algeria, Morocco, Belgium, Portugal
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Greater broomrape?
To properly water the Greater broomrape, it is recommended to use filtered water at room temperature. Tap water may contain harmful particles that can negatively affect the plant's health. Since the Greater broomrape is accustomed to warm environments, it is important to avoid using cold water as it may shock the plant. Additionally, overhead watering should be avoided as it can cause issues with the foliage. Instead, gently apply the filtered room temperature water directly to the soil until it is completely saturated. This method of watering is beneficial for the plant as it provides moisture to the roots, allowing them to spread and absorb necessary nutrients from the soil.
What do I do if I give my Greater broomrape too much or too little water?
Overwatering and underwatering can both harm the health of your Greater broomrape plant, but overwatering is usually a larger problem. When this species is given too much water, its stems and leaves may wilt and turn yellow. Over time, overwatering can also cause diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew, which can be fatal to the plant. While underwatering is less common for the Greater broomrape, it can still happen. In this case, the leaves will become brittle and brown. It's important to notice the signs of overwatering early on, as some of the resulting diseases cannot be reversed if action is delayed. If you see signs of overwatering, reduce your watering and check the quality of the soil. If the soil doesn't drain well, replace it with a loose, well-draining potting mix. Conversely, if you notice signs of underwatering, simply water the plant more regularly until the signs improve.
How often do I need to water my Greater broomrape plant?
If your Greater broomrape is in a pot, the best way to determine if it needs water is by checking the soil. Simply stick your finger into the soil and if the top two to three inches are dry, it's time to water it. Similarly, if you have planted your Greater broomrape outdoors in the ground, you can use the same method. When you find that the first few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to give it some water. Usually, during the spring and early fall, watering once a week is sufficient. However, when it gets extremely hot, you may need to water it twice or even more per week. Nevertheless, it's important to note that mature and well-established Greater broomrape plants have a commendable ability to withstand drought.
How much water does my Greater broomrape plant need?
To properly water your Greater broomrape, be generous with the amount of water you provide. Wait until the top two to three inches of soil have dried out before watering, and then give the plant a good, deep soak. Make sure to add enough water so that it saturates the entire soil. It's important to have excess water drain out through the bottom of the pot; if you don't see this happening, you may have not watered enough. However, be careful not to let the water accumulate inside the soil, as this can be harmful to the plant. On the other hand, if water doesn't drain properly, it could indicate that the soil doesn't have good drainage, which is not good for the plant. If the plant is outdoors, one inch of rainfall per week should be adequate.
How do I water my Greater broomrape at different stages of growth?
The water needs of the Greater broomrape can vary depending on its growth stages. In the first few years of its life or after being transplanted, it requires more water. During these stages, the plant focuses its energy on forming new roots for future growth, which require extra moisture. As the plant becomes more mature, it will need less water. Additionally, during the bloom period, the development of flowers requires a significant amount of moisture, so you may need to provide more water at this time.
How often should I water my Greater broomrape throughout the year?
The Greater broomrape has its highest water needs during the hottest months of the year. This means that during the height of summer, you may need to water the plant more than once per week, depending on how quickly the soil dries out. On the other hand, during the winter, the plant enters a dormant phase and requires much less water than usual. In fact, you may not need to water the plant at all during the winter months. However, if you do choose to water it in winter, make sure to do so no more than once per month. Overwatering during this time can increase the chances of your Greater broomrape getting a disease.
What's the difference between watering my plant inside and outside?
The Greater broomrape is commonly grown indoors by gardeners who live in non-temperate and non-tropical regions. It's important to note that soil in a container can dry faster compared to ground soil. If you have drying elements like air conditioning units, your Greater broomrape may need more frequent watering when planted outside. However, if you receive regular rainfall, watering may not be necessary for your plant. On the other hand, if you grow this plant indoors, you will need to water it more often since rainwater cannot soak the soil.
