Golden Bells, Greenstem forsythia, Forsythia
Forsythia viridissima
Family: Oleaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal.
Forsythia viridissima is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay 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
Ravines, margin of woods near river valleys and streamsides.
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The fruit is antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmdic and emmenagogue. It is used in Korea to treat carbuncles, mastitis, inflammation, suppuration, lymphadenitis and suppressed menstruation.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Antifungal: An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Other
Rating: 3
Landscape Uses: Border, Erosion control, Ground cover, Massing.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in all soil types but prefers a rich soil. Succeeds in limey soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. It prefers a sunny position but succeeds in semi shade though it is apt to get leggy if grown in the shade of trees. Succeeds against a north-facing wall. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. Plants are medium to fast growing. Flowers are produced on wood that is more than one year old. Any pruning is best done immediately after the plant has finished flowering. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value. This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus. Special Features: Attractive foliage, 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. 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. Layering in spring or summer. Plants often self-layer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-8
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Leaves contain the glycoside Phillyrin, its potency is unknown.