Golden Bells Forsythia

Forsythia is a genus of 11 accepted species of flowering, deciduous, perennial shrubs native to China, Japan, and southeast Europe. Depending on the species, the mature height of a Forsythia shrub ranges from 3 to 10 feet and all species produce beautiful yellow flowers in early spring. The flowers are produced on long, arching, stems before the plants leaf out and the stems and flowers are often cut and brought indoors as a sign that winter will soon be over. The genus is named for William Forsyth (1737-1804), who was the Scottish superintendent of the Royal Gardens of Kensington Palace and author of A Treatise on the Culture and Management of Fruit Trees which in its day was probably the most widely read work on the subject.

Forsythia is easy to grow and does best in loose, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. although siting in full sun will produce more flowers earlier in the Spring. Forsythia is a forgiving plant and tolerates average to poor garden soils, urban conditions, and drought. The shrub is winter hardy, but colder winters and temperatures below -5 degrees F may retard flower development because of the impact of winter temperatures or a late freeze on unopened buds. Forsythia can tend to grow wildly, but it can be pruned to keep the shrub's growth under control. Pruning should be done immediately after spring flowering; if done after mid-July, you will likely remove flower buds for the following spring. To rejuvenate an older plant, you can cut it back almost ground level. The plant can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings and some cultivars may sucker.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests. Some species of Forsythia are susceptible to leaf spot or crown gall.