Plant Portrait: Genista Lydia • Zone 5-9

By Marilyn Raff:

Genista Lydia • Zone 5-9

A floriferous low-mounding deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region, Lydia thrives beautifully in many parts of Colorado. The name comes from the ancient city of Lydia, which flourished in the 6th and 7th centuries BCE.

Full sun works best. It has slender, arching branches with needle-like, green glossy foliage, which adds to its visual appeal. The electric small yellow flowers explode midspring into summer smothering the plant like 4th of July fireworks!

I’ve grown this shrub for thirty years. Its height is two feet, with a spread of almost 3-4 feet. Lydia adapts to a wide range of soils, some a little rocky but it wants good drainage. A good combination uses pea gravel, clay, and a small amount of compost.

Once established, this nearly no-care shrub is disease and deer resistant. It tolerates heat and drought, perfect for difficult low water spots.