Forsythia

This group consists of seven hardy, deciduous shrubs, one of which is native to southeast Europe, while the other six are native to East Asia.These shrubs, commonly known as Golden Bells, are valued for their gorgeous display of star-shaped, golden yellow flowers on leafless branches, in the spring. They can be used as a screen, espalier, bank cover, or with other shrubs, as their medium-green foliage blends well. F. 'Arnold Dwarf' is a low-growing, spreading plant that makes a great ground cover, since the branches take root where they touch the ground. This variety usually doesn't flower until mature. F. intermedia var. Spring Glory is a medium-sized to large shrub that blooms in mid-spring. Its flowers are pale yellow and up to 2 inches in diameter. F. 'Meadowlark' is a very hardy variety with the buds being hardy to -35� F. This variety will grow up to 10 feet high. F. viridissima var. Bronxensis (Bronx Greenstem Forsythia) is a dense, slow-growing shrub that will reach a height of only 12 inches. It is covered with tiny leaves and vivid yellow, slightly green-tinted flowers.

Pot Cultivation

Golden Bells can be grown in any garden soil, although one that is deeply dug and enhanced with peat, compost or manure is the best. It is also beneficial to mulch with decayed manure or compost in the spring. Once flowering has finished, thin out and cut back the old flowering shoots to within a short distance of the old wood.

Propagation

Soft cuttings, 3 or 4 inches long, may be made from the ends of young shoots, in June and July. Insert these in sandy soil in a propagating case in a greenhouse or in a cold frame. Half-ripe or semi-woody cuttings may be inserted outside under a bell jar or in a cold frame in August and September. Cuttings, 12 to 18 inches long, can be made from mature growth and inserted in a sheltered border outside in October and November. The branches may also be layered, although cuttings are better since they root easily.