BROOM, woadwaxen

These twiggy, low-growing shrubs make fine bank or ground covers and are a welcome addition to the rock garden. Good drainage is essential for their survival; they grow well in sandy or gravelly, infertile soils. Showy, sweet pea shaped yellow flowers appear in spring. Leaves are often small and short lived; green branches give deciduous sorts an ever- green look.

genista lydia

• Zones US, MS, LS; USDA 6-8.
• Evergreen; nearly leafless.
• Grows to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide; makes a good ground cover.
• Profuse show of blossoms at tips of shoots in late spring.
• Sets few seeds.

genista pilosa

• Zones US, MS; USDA 6-7.
• SILKYLEAF WOADWAXEN.
• Deciduous.
• Fairly fast-growing prostrate shrub, ultimately to 1112 feet tall with 7 feet spread.
• Intricately branched gray-green twigs; roundish, 14- to 1 inches-long leaves.
• Blooms in spring.
• Vancouver Gold is a good selection.

genista tinctoria

• Zones US, MS; USDA 6-7.
• DYER'S GREENWEED, WOADWAXEN.
• Deciduous.
• To 6 feet tall and wide, with undivided leaves to 2 inches long.
• Upright flower spikes in late spring or early summer.
• Royal Gold is a compact selection 2 feet tall and wide.