Double Gorse Ulex europaeus 'Flore Pleno' (d)
ABOUT
The plant, commonly known as double gorse or double furze, has a striking appearance thanks to its distinctive yellow flowers. These blooms are fuller than those of the typical gorse, as they possess a double set of petals that create a lush, dense look. The flowers are rich in color and are often associated with the vibrancy of spring. Aside from the lush flowers, the plant sports a dense covering of spiny, green foliage. The leaves are small and needle-like, forming a prickly barrier that can be quite sharp to the touch. This spiky foliage gives the plant a somewhat untamed, rugged character, often associated with the wild landscapes where gorse plants thrive. Throughout the blooming period, the plant is a hub of activity for pollinators, with bees and other insects attracted to the abundant flowers for their nectar. When not in bloom, the plant's greenery provides a deep, evergreen backdrop that retains interest throughout the year. The overall impression of the plant is one of robustness and resilience, with a natural beauty that can liven up any landscape. Its dense, spiky foliage and vibrant yellow flowers create a distinct visual impact that is both wild and enchanting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Double-Flowered Gorse, Double Furze
Common names
Ulex europaeus 'Plenus', Ulex europaeus var. flore-pleno.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Ulex europaeus 'Flore Pleno' is Double-flowered Gorse. Double-flowered Gorse can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains slightly toxic compounds that can cause discomfort. Symptoms of poisoning from the ingestion of Gorse can include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It's crucial to avoid eating any part of this plant due to its toxicity.
To pets
The most common common name for Ulex europaeus 'Flore Pleno' is Double-flowered Gorse. Double-flowered Gorse is also toxic to pets if they ingest parts of the plant. In pets, the symptoms of Gorse poisoning can mirror those in humans and include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. It can also lead to the irritation of the digestive tract. Pet owners should prevent their animals from consuming any portion of this plant to avoid these adverse health effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Ulex europaeus 'Flore Pleno', commonly known as Double Gorse, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its bright yellow, pea-like flowers that bloom profusely.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and insects within its dense, spiky thickets.
- Soil Stabilization: Double Gorse has a deep root system that helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on banks and slopes.
- Adaptability: This plant can thrive in poor soils and is tolerant of drought, making it suitable for challenging landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Double Gorse requires minimal care, seldom needing water or fertilizer.
- Windbreak: Due to its dense growth habit, Double Gorse can act as a windbreak, protecting more delicate plants.
- Biodiversity: It supports biodiversity by providing habitat and food for a variety of insects such as bees and many other pollinators.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Gorse is often used as a natural dye for fabrics, producing a range of colors from yellow to green.
- The wood from gorse bushes is dense and makes excellent fuel for fires, burning with a high heat and minimal smoke.
- In traditional practices, gorse was used as a feed for livestock during harsh winters when other forage was unavailable.
- The spines of gorse have been employed in cottage industries for small scale cloth-making tools, such as carders for wool processing.
- Some practitioners of natural landscaping use gorse as a protective barrier for gardens due to its dense and prickly nature.
- The flowers of gorse can be used to add flavor and color to homemade wines and liqueurs.
- The robustness of gorse makes it suitable for use in erosion control on sandy and unstable soils to help stabilize the ground.
- Gorse has been used in some artisanal crafts, such as the making of brooms and small brushes.
- In historical rural societies, gorse was sometimes used to treat leather, thanks to the tannins present in the plant.
- Sometimes, the seeds of gorse were utilized as a feed supplement for poultry to increase the vibrancy of egg yolk color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Ulex europaeus, commonly known as Gorse, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Gorse is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Ulex europaeus, commonly known as Gorse, is renowned for its hardiness and ability to thrive in poor soils, symbolizing resilience and endurance through tough conditions.
- Protection: With its thorny branches, Gorse is often associated with protection, representing a natural barrier against negative forces and threats.
- Perseverance: Gorse blooms even in harsh winter conditions, representing perseverance and the ability to push through adversity.
- Hope: The bright yellow flowers of Gorse are symbolic of hope and optimism, as they provide a cheerful splash of color even on dark days, suggesting that there is always light even during difficult times.
WaterThe Double Gorse (Ulex europaeus 'Flore Pleno') should be watered sparingly, as it is adapted to survive in dry, poor soils typical of its native habitats. In general, watering once every two weeks during prolonged dry periods may be sufficient. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. When you do water, provide deep watering with approximately 1 gallon of water for established plants to encourage deep root systems. Adjust the watering frequency according to your climate conditions; less often in cool, wet climates and more often in hot, dry ones.
LightThe Double Gorse thrives best in full sunlight. It should be planted in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid planting in shaded areas as this can hamper its growth and blooming potential. This plant is well-suited to open, sunny environments where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureThe Double Gorse is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers milder conditions. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth and flowering is between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is adapted to temperate climates and can handle occasional frosts without significant damage.
PruningDouble Gorse benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning at this time minimizes sap loss and allows the plant to recover quickly. Remove dead or diseased branches and cut back old wood to encourage bushy growth. Pruning every two to three years is typically sufficient.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDouble-flowered Gorse (Ulex europaeus 'Flore Pleno') thrives in a well-draining, sandy or gritty soil with low fertility. It prefers acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. Amend with peat or coarse sand to improve drainage if necessary.
RepottingDouble-flowered Gorse typically does not require frequent repotting as it can thrive in the same pot for several years. Repot only when it has outgrown its current container or the soil has degraded, which may be every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingDouble-flowered Gorse prefers outdoor conditions and tolerates a wide range of humidity levels. It does not have specific humidity requirements and can adapt to both dry and moist air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suited for indoor growth, requires full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, little to no care needed.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as Double Gorse or Double Furze, Ulex europaeus 'Flore Pleno' (d) begins its life cycle as a seed, which after a period of dormancy, germinates in favorable conditions, typically requiring some form of scarification to break seed dormancy. The seedling develops a deep taproot and begins to establish a woody shrub form, with its characteristic spiny, green foliage. As the plant matures, it produces its distinctive yellow, double flowers which are more profuse and showy than the species' typical form, typically in the spring and early summer months. Pollination by insects, particularly bees, leads to the formation of pods which contain the seeds. The pods eventually dry and split open, dispersing seeds to begin a new generation. Double Gorse is a perennial and can live for several years, forming dense thickets if left unmanaged, and it can regenerate from its root system if the above-ground structure is damaged.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The common gorse or Ulex europaeus 'Flore Pleno', a double-flowered variety of gorse, is most commonly propagated by seed. To propagate common gorse by seeds, they should be sown in the spring or late winter. The hard seed coat should be scarified or softened by soaking in hot water to improve germination rates. Seeds can then be sown into pots filled with a well-draining seed starting mix and covered lightly with soil. They should be placed in a warm area with plenty of sunlight and kept moist. Germination can be slow and uneven, but with patience, seedlings will emerge that can be grown on and later transplanted outdoors.
