Those of us who had the
”
forsyt
”
to plant forsythia, as a nondescript bare-root plant last winter
or as a relatively unimpressive green shrub last summer are now
enjoying the vibrant yellow bloom.
Name and characteristics
Those of us who had the “forsyt” to plant forsythia, as a nondescript bare-root plant last winter or as a relatively unimpressive green shrub last summer are now enjoying the vibrant yellow bloom. Individual flowers are only about an inch wide, but are abundant on the leafless stems. The deciduous foliage develops as the flowers fade. The most popular cultivars grow to about five feet tall and wide. Like flowering cherry and crabapple, bare stems of forsythia can be brought indoors when their plump buds are just beginning to open.
where to plant
Areas where there is room to grow unimpeded after spring pruning are ideal. Forsythia is good for informal areas of the garden and can be an appealing contrasting feature outside the perimeter of a refined vegetable or rose garden. Bloom is fullest in sunny locations.
how to care for
Except for spring pruning, forsythia has no special requirements. After bloom, the oldest and any damaged canes should be cut to the ground. At least a third of the canes should be cut out every year. Shearing deprives forsythia of the canes that will bloom the following winter, and promotes thicket like growth.
where to purchase
Forsythia can be found at Johnson Garden Center of Morgan Hill (408-779-7171), Paidle Gardens and Accents of Hollister (831- 636-7281).
Tony Tomeo is a consulting horticulturist and arborist for New Image Landscape of Fremont. His weekly radio broadcast, “New Image Garden Report,” can be heard at 8:10am on Fridays on KSCO, 1080AM. Reach him at tt****@***************pe.com.
