Genista stenopetala, commonly known as sweet broom or Easter broom, is an evergreen shrub native to the laurel forests and pine woodlands of the Canary Islands, specifically La Palma and Tenerife. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and is characterized by its trifoliate, silky, silvery leaves. The plant produces strongly scented, vibrant yellow flowers that are particularly showy, appearing in late winter or early spring, followed by 1-2 inch long pods. Sweet broom has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its value in cultivation.

Sweet broom is appreciated for its fragrant and eye-catching yellow blooms, which can add a splash of color to gardens during the late winter and early spring months when few other plants are in flower. It is often used in ornamental plantings, borders, and as a specimen plant in areas with mild climates. In cultivation, sweet broom requires well-drained soil, moderate water, and thrives in full sun to part shade. It is not frost-hardy and does not tolerate temperatures below 41°F, making it suitable for growth in USDA zones 9-11 or as a potted plant that can be moved indoors during colder periods. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0