Picture © 2003, FBCP

Pictures © 1999,

Forsythia - Forsythia suspensa

An early flowering deciduous shrub growing to 3m (10ft) tall by 4.5m (15ft) across, on thin woody stems flowering in the spring before the leaves appear. Profuse flowers 2-5cm (1-2 in) are bright golden yellow, bell shaped with 4 narrow petals appearing in March and April in groups of 1-3 at each node along the branch, oval pointed leaves 5-10cm long (2-4 in) with serrated edges appearing later once the flowers have opened.

Now found almost anywhere the Forsythia originated in China. They can take full sun or light shade, doing best in well drained soils with supplementary watering during prolonged dry spells. Cuttings taken from green shoots in spring or early summer are easily root in moist sand. Prune old woody growth at ground level to help maintain a vigorous plant by stimulating the growth of new stems. Prune after flowering finishes as next years flowers are produced on stems that grow during the current summer. Stems are light brown in colour, have a rough coarse "gritty" feel (from raised lenticles) and are hollow between the flowering nodes.

First introduced into Europe in the early 1800's, there are seven species of Forsythia and 5 wild variants, and currently 41 cultivars are listed, all of which are deciduous shrubs with yellow flowers appearing in the spring. Seeds of the Forsythia have been used for medicinal purposes having anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and other properties, however FBCP do not advise or recommend that any part of Forsythia is eaten.

Back

Site design ©1999- -