Fabaceae
Hairy Thorny Broom: Aromatic Plant
Calicotome villosa
An extremely hardy and drought-resistant plant, ideal for low-maintenance Mediterranean gardens. It requires full sun and soil with excellent drainage.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-5° - 40°C
20% - 60%
Categories
What is Hairy Thorny Broom?
Hairy Thorny Broom (Calicotome villosa) is a easy-care plant from the Fabaceae family. Hairy thorny broom (Calicotome villosa) is a spiny shrub typical of the Mediterranean maquis. It is recognized by its densely tangled branches covered in whitish down and robust thorns. In spring, it produces a spectacular golden-yellow bloom, with highly fragrant papilionaceous flowers that almost...
Hairy Thorny Broom grows up to 2.0m, spread of 150cm, watering every 14 days, -5°C – 40°C, 20–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Hairy Thorny Broom tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Hairy Thorny Broom?
TLDR: Hairy Thorny Broom needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -5-40°C with 20-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Hairy Thorny Broom?
Water only young plants during the first year after planting. Once mature, the plant is self-sufficient and does not require irrigation.
How Much Light Does Hairy Thorny Broom Need?
Requires full sun exposure throughout the day; excessive shade drastically reduces flowering and makes the plant less compact.
What Is the Best Soil for Hairy Thorny Broom?
Grows well in poor, stony, or sandy soils. It is essential that the soil does not retain moisture during the winter.
What Pot Should You Use for Hairy Thorny Broom?
This plant is not suitable for long-term container cultivation due to its deep root system; it prefers being planted in the ground.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 180 days
What Is Hairy Thorny Broom and Where Does It Come From?
Hairy thorny broom (Calicotome villosa) is a spiny shrub typical of the Mediterranean maquis. It is recognized by its densely tangled branches covered in whitish down and robust thorns. In spring, it produces a spectacular golden-yellow bloom, with highly fragrant papilionaceous flowers that almost entirely cover the plant.
How to Propagate Hairy Thorny Broom?
Sowing
- Germination can be irregular.
- Avoid transplanting seedlings too often as they do not tolerate root disturbance well.
- 1 Scarification
The seeds have a very hard coat; rub them lightly with sandpaper or soak them in hot water for 24 hours before sowing.
- 2 Sowing in seedbeds
Sow the seeds about 1 cm deep in a mixture of sand and universal potting soil.
- 3 Maintenance
Keep the substrate slightly moist and in a bright location until germination occurs.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Hairy Thorny Broom Grow?
TLDR: Hairy Thorny Broom can reach up to 2.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
2.0m
Spread
1.5m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents strength and protection, thanks to its ability to thrive in arid environments and its thorny nature.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Scabious | Easy | Direct sun | 7d | ✓ |
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Red valerian | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
