Ulex parviflorus
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Ulex genus in the family Leguminosae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Leguminosae
- Genus
- Ulex
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Growth rate
- vigorous
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Fertility
- Bees, Flies, Beetles
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees, Flies, Beetles
Uses
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Plants make an impenetrable barrier, especially in exposed maritime areas. They are a useful windbreak by the coast.
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- S.W. Europe - Portugal to southern France.
- Habitat
- Not known
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 7+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure, drought
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- tolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - pre-soak 24 hours in hot water and sow in individual pots in a greenhouse in late winter to early spring. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Plants are very intolerant of root disturbance and so should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible, though not until after the last expected frosts[7]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in spring as soon as rooting commences and plant out into their permanent positions as soon as possible[7].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Requires a poor soil and a sunny position, doing well on dry sunny banks or poor gravelly soils[1]. Succeeds on land that is too dry and barren for most plants[5]. Intolerant of shade, nor does it do well on rich soils[1][3]. Prefers a neutral to slightly acid soil[5], disliking alkaline soils[2]. Plants are very intolerant of root disturbance[1]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure and, once established, drought[6][4]. Hardy to about -15°c[5]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[5]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[5]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[5].
References
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold 1979-00-00
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984-00-00
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00