Pineapple broom

This tall Moroccan shrub or small tree was introduced as recently as 1922, and for a long time was thought less hardy than plants have proved. It is best grown with some shelter from cold winds and in full sun, and makes an excellent wall shrub, where its silky grey-green foliage, delicate and laburnum-like, looks effective against brickwork and can reach 5.5m (18ft). The golden pea-shaped flowers are gathered in large upright cones, and have a strong scent of pineapples. Also known as Argyrocytisus battandieri. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).