Forsythia (Forsythia spp. and cvs.) for-SITH-ee-ah Genus:  Forsythia

Its blaze of yellow flowers is surely one of the first harbingers of spring. Forsythia are widely recognized for their utility in a shrub border, a bank, or for hedging, and their light to deep yellow, four-petaled flowers.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

The branches are great for arrangements and are easy to force in late winter.

Care: 

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Choice cultivars are suitable for specimen planting or rock garden placement. Prune after flowering (one option is to remove the oldest stems and selectively shape).

Propagation: 

Take greenwood cuttings in late spring or early summer, take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.

Problems: 

Arabis mosaic virus, stem gall, dieback, root knot nematode, leaf spot.

Overview

Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Song Birds, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Spring Flower Color Yellow Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Roadside, Screening, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant Type Shrubs