Forming part of the olive plant family, Forsythia is a small genus, made of 11 different species, all of which bloom.
Nearly all types come from eastern parts of Asia, but one comes from Europe, too.
Forsythia At A Glance
Famous for their yellow flowers and their longevity, forsythia are beautiful shrubs which produce their flowers before their leaves, similar to magnolias.
When it rains, you may notice that the flowers point towards the earth, in a bid to protect the pollen from washing away before the pollinators can use it.
Forsythia Name Origin
The genus name honors William Forsyth, the Scottish botanist who was one of the founding members of the Royal Horticultural Society, as well as being a royal head gardener, too.
Forsythia Flower Meaning
Forsythia flowers symbolize anticipation, of looking toward the future with excitement.
Uses of Forsythia
Forsythia has antibiotic and antiviral properties, and has been used in the past to treat minor ailments such as headaches and colds.
Forsythia Growing Requirements
These deciduous shrubs are hardy in USDA zones 4 through to 9, covering the bare stems in spring with swathes of bright yellow flowers.
Depending on the variety you choose, Forsythia may reach between 2 feet and 20 feet high.
These shrubs love full sunlight, in a sheltered position, but they will also thrive in partial shade, too.
The perfect soil for a Forsythia is well-draining, constantly damp, with plenty of nutrients and organic material.
When it comes to the pH of the soil, Forsythia will do well in neutral, slightly acidic, or slightly alkaline soil.
Like many shrubs, Forsythia only needs an average amount of irrigation, meaning that you can let it fend for itself for the majority of the year.
It is also a low maintenance plant, but one thing you should keep in mind is that the fallen flowers can look particularly messy, so be mindful of where you plant it.
