Shrubs🌿 Native to the NetherlandsVery hardy — tolerates frost down to -20°C

Petty Whin

Name: Petty Whin (Genista anglica)
Brand: HSMN Planten
SKU: 6a3802a72ea7dd83770fed7d
Price: 13.50 EUR
Availability: BackOrder

Genista anglica

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Petty Whin (Genista anglica) is a native, low-growing dwarf shrub found in dry and damp heaths, heathland grasslands, dune slacks, nutrient-poor verges, and lime-poor forest edges. This densely branched plant features blue-green leaves and sprawling to ascending stems. The sharp points on older stems are botanically defined as thorns, which develop from shortened lateral branches. From April onwards, short racemes of striking golden-yellow pea-like flowers appear. After flowering, narrow, slightly curved, and somewhat inflated pods develop. Occasionally, a modest second bloom may occur in September or October. Petty Whin is suitable for heath gardens, naturalistic gardens, acidic dune gardens, and sunny borders with nutrient-poor soil. It does not tolerate fertilization, lime-rich soil, or prolonged standing water.

Year calendar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
🌸Blooms
🐝Provides nectar
🍓Bears fruit
🍂Has autumn colour

Pruning period

✂️Best pruning period: Jul–Aug

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
✂️ Pruning period

Best pruning period

Petty Whin requires almost no pruning. Shortly after the main flowering period, protruding young shoots can be carefully trimmed back. Prune only into the young, green wood and avoid cutting deep into old, bare branches, as the plant struggles to resprout from these areas. Wear gloves due to the sharp thorns.

Botanical profile

Site & soil

Sun, Half shade

Soil type: Sand, Loam, Peat

Moisture need: Dry, Moderately moist, Moist

pH: Acidic (<5.5), Slightly acidic (5.5–6.5)

Nutrient richness: Very nutrient-poor, Nutrient-poor

Humus content: Moderately humus-rich, Humus-poor, Peaty

Water drainage: Strongly draining, Well draining, Moisture-retentive

Appearance & season

Mature height: 15-90cm

Bloom: May-Jun

Autumn colour: No notable autumn color. Some of the small blue-green leaves may remain on the plant during mild winters. Other leaves drop without significant discoloration, while the woody stems and thorns remain visible.

Properties

Salt sensitive: Yes

Edible: No

Scent: The yellow flowers have no strong or distinct scent. They primarily attract pollen-collecting bees and bumblebees; nectar production is minimal to non-existent.

Ecological value

Petty Whin serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of the Green Hairstreak and the Silver-studded Blue butterfly. Various moths whose larvae feed on broom species also utilize its leaves and young shoots. Aphids, true bugs, and other small insects find food and shelter among the finely branched, thorny stems. The flowers are primarily visited by pollen-collecting bees and bumblebees. When an insect lands on the flower, pollen is released and adheres to its body. The flowers provide little to no nectar, so its ecological value lies primarily in its pollen and its role as a host plant. Additionally, its low structure provides shelter for spiders, beetles, and small ground-dwelling animals in heathland vegetation.

Food web & Biodiversity

🐛 Caterpillars & mothsExtremely useful

🐝 Bees & bumblebeesUseful

🪰 HoverfliesLimited

🦋 ButterfliesExtremely useful

🪲 Beetles & insectsVery useful

🐦 BirdsLimited

🐿️ MammalsUseful

🐞 Other animalsVery useful

Petty Whin provides pollen to bumblebees, wild bees, and other insects capable of opening its pea-like flowers. It is a host plant for the Green Hairstreak, the Silver-studded Blue, and several specialized broom-feeding moths. Its low, thorny growth provides shelter for small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. The pods and seeds are occasionally consumed but do not constitute a significant food source for birds or mammals.

Distribution in the Netherlands

Source: NDFF Distribution Atlas / FLORON — period 2020–2026

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