Golden Bell, Border Forsythia
Forsythia x intermedia
Family: Oleaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Vase, Weeping.
Forsythia x intermedia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from March to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
Not known in the wild.
A hybrid of garden origin, F. suspensa x F. viridissima.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
Can be grown as a tall hedge, the var. 'Lynwood' is frequently used. Var. 'Spectabilis' also makes a good hedge as does 'Beatrix Farrand'. Landscape Uses: Border, Erosion control, Espalier, Pest tolerant, Hedge, Massing, Screen, Specimen.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Espalier: A tree or other plant that is trained to grow flat against a support (such as a trellis or wall).
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in a well drained ordinary garden soil but prefers a rich soil. Succeeds in limy soils. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in semi shade. Plants are tolerant of deep shade. A very ornamental plant, there are several named varieties. Any pruning out of weak shoots, plus any trimming of hedges, is best done after the plant has flowered. Birds may destroy the flower buds in cold areas. This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus. Special Features:Not North American native, Blooms are very showy. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root .
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates within 2 months. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This is a hybrid species and seed will not come true to type. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10 - 15cm taken at a node, July/August in a frame. Plant out in autumn or spring. A very high percentage, they root within 3 weeks. Cuttings of mature wood in a sheltered outdoor bed. Good percentage.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-8
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist