Common gorse (Ulex europaeus)

Common gorse (Ulex europaeus) is a shrub that can grow 1.5m – 3m tall and 1.5m – 3m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Common gorse (Ulex europaeus).
This plant has several common names including: common gorse, European furze, French furze, furze, gorse, Irish gorse, thorn broom or whin.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 10-20 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: common gorse, European furze, French furze, furze, gorse, Irish gorse, thorn broom, whin
Scientific name: Ulex europaeus
Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Height: 1.5m – 3m
Spread: 1.5m – 3m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Coastal, Informal Garden, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Hedging & Screens, Low Maintenance
Other characteristics: Drought resistant
Seasonal colors
Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring | ||||
Summer | ||||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |

How to plant Common gorse (Ulex europaeus) – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shrubs are fundamental elements in any garden.
They add color and interest throughout the seasons with their wide variety of flowers, foliage, fruits, trunks and stems.
Whatever the size or style of your garden, the permanent woody structure or the foliage of evergreen shrubs will give the space shape and dimension.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Common gorse (Ulex europaeus), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Common gorse (Ulex europaeus) is a plant that grows in sand conditions. As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Ulex europaeus likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Common gorse (Ulex europaeus) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Common gorse (Ulex europaeus) – Robert Flogaus-Faust, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons