Forsythia

Alice asked me to write about this early spring flowering shrub.

Forsythia is one of our early blooming plants. Its floral display is prior to leafing out. I for one truly enjoy the wild informal look of a forsythia bush.

These plants grow best in full sunlight, but will tolerate light shade. They also prefer a well-drained site.

One benefit of this plant is its feature as a bird refuge. Mine is covered with cardinals on snowy winter days.

This plant is relatively free of insects and disease. Starting your own plant is relatively easy as well. Cut off a 6 to 12 inch piece of new growth and place it in water. After roots start to grow transplant the cutting in its place and keep it watered.

Cuttings in the dead of winter can be brought in and forced to bloom. Leave the cuttings in water and in 10-12 days a brilliant display of yellow will appear. They are a little messy due to blooms falling off, but the show in winter cold is worth it.

I personally believe forsythia is one plant which looks great naturally. Pruning is done usually after spring bloom due mostly because flowers are on older stems. New growth can be identified more easily and left for next years bloom. Prune older limbs to the ground and head other stems to hold the plant in cheek.

The great thing about the plant is it requires little attention if planted in an out of the way location. Some gardeners believe its short floral display is not a plant of choice. I think it has merit as an early spring floral surprise. The choice is yours. Myself I can always use some floral delight.