Forsythia

Green Side Up

Last week the subject was flowering quince, the early blooming shrub. Perhaps one of the earliest bloomers is a member of the olive family, the forsythia. Like quince, it is deciduous, and its blooms arrive before foliage appears in the spring.

The forsythia grows to be a large shrub six to ten feet tall and approximately six feet wide. Its size dictates that the gardener not plant without planning. Forsythias are useful as foundation plantings, as large or small hedges and as specimen or focal point plants. For dense hedges they should be planted four feet apart and for loose hedges, about eight feet apart. Specimen plants may be planted as singles or in small groups. Odd numbers of plants have a better appearance.

Planting a forsythia follows the standard techniques for shrubs. Although in our area a forsythia can be planted almost any time (except in the heat of summer) the general rule is that for spring flowers plant in the fall. Best results can be obtained if the plant is dormant. A hole that is twice as wide and about the same depth as the root ball is generally adequate. Research has shown that, in general, the wider the hole, the better the plant will grow. The plant should be placed at a level that is slightly higher than the surrounding soil. This allows for settling of the soil. Once the plant is situated in the hole, only unamended native soil should be used to back fill the hole. Adding fertilizer or other amendments to the soil may actually be detrimental to the plant. When filling the hole, periodically add water to it to help eliminate air pockets. Mulching around the newly planted shrub will help to retain moisture in the soil. Decomposing mulch will slowly add nutrients to the soil. An adequate watering at planting and during the first growing season will help insure the health of the plant. Although the forsythia will tolerate damp soil, it must be well drained. Plant forsythias in full sun or partial shade. The more sun the better the bloom display will be. Fertilize forsythias with a balanced fertilizer a couple of times in the spring and summer, but not in the fall and winter. Mulching with compost or other organic material will slowly add nutrients to the soil. The last fertilization of the summer should be with a formulation that has a high phosphorus level (P, the middle number in fertilizer descriptions) to help encourage blooming. ››››

Forsythias are fast growers often adding two feet of new growth in a single season. This rapid growth may dictate pruning decisions depending on personal taste. Left unpruned, the long arching branches can become unkempt looking. The location of the plants will often determine when and how much to prune. Since forsythias bloom on last year’s growth, any pruning should be done after the blooms have faded. The blooms of forsythias are a happy yellow in the shape of small bells about an inch across and have earned the nickname of Golden Bells. The blooms give way to rather insignificant fruit. Like the quince, the forsythia can easily be forced to bloom indoors in the winter. Cut branches with plentiful flower buds. Put the branches in a vase of water and be patient. In a couple of weeks the branches will reward you with its golden yellow blooms to cheer the cold, grey days of winter. ››

Forsythias are propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings. Select cuttings from the current season’s growth. Cut a three to six-inch section from a healthy branch. Place the proximal end (the end closest to the main stem) in moist soil with or without rooting hormone. Keep the soil moist to aid rooting. Bottom heat will also help. A few weeks are required for roots to develop. Protect from temperature extremes and drying winds. ›

The use of dried forsythia fruit has been described in traditional Chinese medicine. The steamed and dried fruit have been used as a blood detoxifier, for fevers, headaches and viral infections. It is also has demonstrated antibiotic activity. It should be noted that the FDA has not recognized any medicinal value of forsythia. ›››››