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ULEX europaeus
Commonly known as Common gorse, Furze, Whin
Further Reading....
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EvergreenRigid leaves reduced to deeply grooved spines to 2.5cm (1in) long.
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Yellow
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Height2.5m (8ft)
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Spread2m (6½ft)
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Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightUpright to rounded densely bushy shrub with spine-tipped green shoots. Produces solitary, pea-like flowers 2cm (¾in) long followed by dark-brown seed pods to 2cm (¾in) long.
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Hardy - very cold winterHardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
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Full sun
ULEX europaeus
- Details
- Description
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowThe native gorse. Wildlife plant. Bees, caterpillars, cover for birds.Pests & DiseasesNonePlace of originWestern and central EuropeResistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Garden Location/ConditionsCoastal / windswept
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HardinessFully hardy
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Pruning groupPruning group 7Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that flower on previous year's growth in Spring, or current year's growth in late Summer/Autumn.
Action: Cut back flowered shoots to within 1 inch of previous year's growth.
When: Annually after flowering or in Spring if flowering on current year's growth.
RHS group 10 -
Scented PlantsScented flowersCoconut scented
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Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummerWinter
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Soil ConditionsFree draining sandy soilWill become very leggy on rich soil.Neutral to acid soil
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WildlifeBee friendly
Jan
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Ulex europaeus - Growing Guide
2.5m (8ft)
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2m (6½ft) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50