Common name:
Forsythia
Golden Bells
Botanical name:
Forsythia spp.
Forsythias are flowering shrubs that belong to the olive family. They grow at a rapid rate and are long lived. Forsythia can be forced to bloom indoors before it would normally occur outdoors. Between early January and late February, cut branches, bring indoors and place them in water. Flowers will open in about 10 days
- Light Requirements: Full to part sun
- Water Requirements: They prefer loose, well drained soil. They will tolerate poor soil and will be fairly drought resistant once established.
- Characteristics: Depending on the cultivar, they grow from 3 feet to 12 feet tall and wide. Profuse yellow flowers appear on long arching stems and open before leaves emerge, usually in March. Forsythias bloom on old wood so do any pruning right after blooming to avoid cutting off next year’s buds. Remove one-fourth to one-third of the oldest (largest) stems at ground level every other year once they are established.
- Uses: Forsythia can be used as a specimen, in a mixed border or as a background in a perennial bed. They make a great living hedge and are great for hillsides to help with erosion issues.
- Interesting Facts: When it rains, their flowers tip downward to protect their pollen.
- Varieties:
- Forsythia x. intermedia ‘Lynwood’ has larger yellow flowers than other cultivars. They also have better fall foliage that turns an attractive yellow.
- Forsythia x. intermedia ‘Show Off’ is smaller and compact, growing 5 to 6 feet. It is also full of flowers from the ground to the end of the stems.
Forsythia belongs to the olive family!
Forsythia symbolizes spring and renewal! The bright yellow flowers represent the arrival of spring and the renewal of life, making it a popular choice for seasonal decorations.
These cheerful plants were named after William Forsyth, a Scottish botanist who introduced the plant to England in the 18th century.
Forsythia flowers have long been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for their medicinal properties including treatment of nausea, sore throat, and fever
