Forsythia

The Forsythia is a deciduous shrub which is considered to come from a genus of two hybrids, the weeping type (F.suspensa) and the green stem (F. viridissima). These shrubs are usually given the name 'golden bells.' The tree is an extremely fast growing bush which can grow up to one to two feet in a year. The shrub can typically grow up to a height of approximately four to six feet with a spread of about three to five inches. However, under favorable conditions, it can grow up to a height of about three to nine feet with a spread of about three to ten inches and rarely up to twenty feet tall depending on the variety.



Forsythia bushes are considered to be nature's earliest spring bloomers. Individual blooms develop four bright yellow deeply lobed flowers. These flowers are developed in the early springs before the leaves. The flowers petals are joined at the base. They have opposite simple leaves with serrated or entire margins which usually become pendant during rains thus protecting the reproductive parts. The plants leaves can sometimes be trifoliate with a pair of small leaflets at the base. These leaflets can range from an inch to four inches long.

The forsythia shrub can do well in USDA zone five. In addition, the plant requires a moist to well drained soils and in full sun in order to establish.

Pruning of the shrub is not necessary. However, depending on the gardener, it can be done immediately the plant has finished developing their flowers. This happens in spring. Pruning of the plant either too early or too late can interfere with its blooming cycle or growth. The right way to prune this plat is by first pruning a quarter to one third of the oldest branches completely as this encourages a new compact growth. The Forsythia shrubs are greatly used in homes as hedgerows. However, the plant can be planted singly.