Plant of the week – Forsythia

If yellow impact in spring is what you’re after then plant of the weekForsythia comes in very handy. So bright, so fresh so wow. It puts a smile on your face. This deciduous shrub is especially appreciated in northern climes where they stand out in an otherwise colourless spring vegetation.

Plant of the week - Forsythia - GardenRoomStyle

Plant of the week – Forsythia

Having done the accolades, I must, however, say that I’m not all that enthusiastic about Forsythias. They look amazing in spring but when the greenery becomes dominating it has a somewhat wild, uncontrolled bordering on scrawny outlook. I used to have two of them in my garden and therefore talk with some experience.

Plant of the week - Forsythia - GardenRoomStyle

But perhaps that is your thing? And the spring effect makes up for other lackings. They are hardy and tolerant of most soil types as long as it’s not excessively wet or too dry. Put them in a bright location (light shade at the most) for ultimate blooming. Forsythias also like it relatively sheltered. If exposed to too much wind they take on a lopsided appearance. Like these one seen in this picture. I picked some of them to put in a vase in my home. Lopsided they definitely are. Cutting branches off for this purpose, however, is actually good for the plant. It encourages more blooms to grow in the next season. For garden design purposes, I would put this plant as a solitaire or in a border some distance away from the house. Where the blooms can be seen in spring, but later in the season let the shrub take a step back and blend in.

Plant of the week - Forsythia - GardenRoomStyle