Forsythia medium description. Forsythia - planting and care in open ground. The most famous varieties
When the overwhelming number of ornamental shrubs are just beginning to awaken from their winter sleep, forsythia, blooming bright yellow flowers on leafless branches, is one of the first to announce the arrival of spring. Thanks to its early and very bright flowering, the elegant shrub gives an amazing feeling spring mood. 2-3 weeks will pass, and everything will come to life, bloom, and smell fragrant, but for now, forsythia reigns, its golden inflorescences will take your breath away.
Bright flash of solar bloom
Sunny messenger of spring
Forsythia, also known as forsythia, belongs to the beautifully flowering deciduous shrubs of the Olive family. The plant's homeland is East Asia and the Balkan region of Europe, where its thickets abundantly cover sunny mountain slopes and are found everywhere. The ornamental crop is highly valued among European gardeners - here it is used to decorate city parks and private gardens. Not all varieties are suitable for Russian regions with a cold climate, but only winter-hardy varieties that can preserve flower buds even during the period of returning spring frosts.
In botany, 7 types of forsythia are known, the descriptions of which are largely similar. This is a spreading shrub that, without artificial formation, can grow up to 3 m in height and almost the same in diameter. The branches can be erect, forming a lush bush, or drooping, forming a tree with a weeping crown. The leaves are oval, slightly oblong, 7–15 cm in size, the color range is from dark green to yellow-green. Among garden forms Varieties with variegated foliage have been bred, giving the plant an attractive appearance throughout the season.
The forsythia bush is easily recognizable by its beautifully flowering branches with yellow flowers that bloom before the leaves. Large golden bells reach 2.5–6 cm in diameter and are collected in bunches of several pieces. The plant begins to bloom at 4–5 years of age, the process itself lasts from 10 to 25 days. Immediately after this, the foliage blooms and the growing season of young shoots begins.
Important! When choosing a shrub, pay attention to its cold resistance. Most cultivated varieties and hybrids are heat-loving, and even if the plant itself does not freeze, its flower buds die. The result is rare single flowers at a level of 30–40 cm from the ground (at the height of the snow cover).
Types and varieties
Forsythia first appeared in Russian gardens in the mid-19th century, but at that time only heat-loving varieties were known, so the plant was grown in pots. In the first half of the 20th century. winter-hardy species of deciduous shrubs are beginning to be cultivated in open ground. Let's consider the most popular types and garden forms of plants.
Forsythia ovoid or oval is one of the most winter-hardy members of the family, therefore it is better suited than others for growing in regions with cold climates. Thick compact bush grows quickly, blooms very early - in southern regions in the first ten days of April, in the Moscow region - in May. Thanks to its unpretentiousness to growing conditions and drought resistance, it remains decorative throughout the entire growing season. Based on F. ovate, numerous varieties that are loved by gardeners have been bred: the ultra-early Tetragold, the especially frost-resistant Goldzauber, the large-flowered Parkdecor and Vic End, and the miniature Melissa.
Forsythia hanging or drooping is distinguished by long flexible stems and great growth energy, and is considered cold-resistant. IN middle lane To avoid freezing of the flower buds, the shrub requires shelter or at least bending the branches to the ground so that they are under the snow. In the Crimea, the Caucasus, and southern Russia, hanging flowers are allowed to hang along a trellis, using a house wall or fence as a support.
Forsythia intermediate is a hybrid obtained from crossing several species, the second name is F. average. Vigorous shrub, with large leaves dark green and bright yellow flowers, frost and drought resistant. It has many interesting garden forms, the name of which speaks for itself - F. densely flowered, F. primrose, F. wonderful. Of the foreign varieties, forsythia Linwood is popular - spreading abundantly flowering shrub, forming spherical bushes with a diameter of up to 3 m. The plant attracts not only its early flowering, but also its unusual purple-violet foliage in autumn period. The Fiesta and Variegata varieties with unusual variegated leaves deserve attention.
Forsythia europaea is a heat-loving species, sensitive to sub-zero temperatures, in cold climates, flower buds can freeze even in shelter. In cultivation, the shrub is common in the southern regions, and is distinguished by its early and long flowering(up to 25 days).
This is interesting! In addition to the traditional forms with yellow flowers, there are varieties with other colors - pink and white forsythia. This is a separate species native to the Korean Peninsula and is known as Abelolifolia biseriata. Rarely found in the middle zone.
Features of cultivation in central Russia
Forsythia in the horticultural environment is considered unpretentious shrub, planting and caring for which in open ground does not require much time or any special knowledge. But in order for the plant not just to sit, but to feel comfortable, give good growth and annually delight with elegant flowering, it is necessary, firstly, to choose suitable varieties, secondly, plant it correctly. In this case, care can really be kept to a minimum.
Growing conditions
In nature, the shrub grows on mountain slopes, so it is light-loving, but it also tolerates partial shade quite adequately, especially in areas with hot, dry summers and low air humidity. Heat-loving covering varieties do not like drafts and sharp gusts of cold wind; they prefer quiet, protected places in the depths of the garden or along the walls of the house.
When choosing forsythia varieties for planting and care in the Moscow region, the cold resistance of the crop and flowering time are taken into account, taking into account frequent return frosts. The most stable forms for the region are ovoid and medium (intermediate) forsythia and the cultivars derived from them. You can plant hanging F., but you will have to cover the branches for the winter. But it is better to refuse F. europaea - the heat-loving shrub will not be able to reveal its potential, it will only eke out a miserable existence.
These same types of forsythia are relevant for cultivation in the Urals.
In terms of soil, the shrub is not picky about fertility, but prefers a moisture-permeable soil structure and an alkaline reaction of the soil solution. In areas with close groundwater, the plant is planted in raised areas or drainage and drainage of excess water are provided.
Landing
Forsythia prefers autumn planting, before the onset of cold weather, so that the seedling has time to take root. Planting material with a closed root system can be planted at any time warm time year.
A planting pit is prepared with a depth of up to 70 cm and a diameter of at least half a meter. On heavy, moisture-intensive soils, drainage from stones, coarse gravel, broken bricks(up to 20 cm), sprinkle with a small layer of sand on top. The root system is placed in garden soil seasoned with humus or leaf compost, wood ash (a glass per hole). In group planting, a distance of 1.5–2 m is maintained between seedlings.
Care
Forsythia, like any garden plant, is responsive to care, but is unpretentious in care. A minimum set of activities is enough for her.
In the spring, immediately after flowering, the bush is fed with complete mineral fertilizer such as azofoska, nitrophoska, Kemira for ornamental crops– this is necessary for the full growth of young shoots and the formation of flower buds for the next year.
Watering is only necessary in summer, and only if there is no rainfall for a long time. The watering norm for one bush is 1–2 buckets every 3–4 weeks. After moistening, it is advisable to mulch the tree trunk circle with peat or dry garden soil.
The plant loves deep loosening, which saturates the soil with oxygen.
To get abundant flowering in the spring, it is advisable to bend the branches to the ground for the winter and cover the root zone with spruce branches and fallen leaves.
One of mandatory elements care - pruning forsythia.
Trimming technology
Pruning is needed not only for the formation of a beautiful bush, but also for a full growing season and annual flowering. The main thing here is not to overdo it and not cause excessive branching, which can reduce the richness of color next year. The main pruning of forsythia is carried out in the spring immediately after flowering. Frozen and dried shoots are removed, as well as those growing inside the bush; faded branches are shortened by 30–40%.
The second pruning, or rather pinching, is carried out in August, slightly shortening the tops of young, non-lignified shoots. By doing this we stop their growth and give the branches time to ripen.
They practice cutting old bushes into stumps. This helps to rejuvenate the bush and quickly restore its potential.
Pay attention! Worried about why forsythia does not bloom, not everyone knows that one of the reasons is insufficient pruning (or its complete absence) of faded shoots. The plant spends time ripening the seeds and does not have time to form flower buds.
Reproduction methods
Forsythia seeds have low germination rate, so gardeners prefer vegetative methods of propagating the shrub.
The first option is dividing the bush. From the overgrown plant, 1–3 young shoots with a fragment of the root system are separated.
A simple and effective way is propagation by layering. Flexible shoots of drooping forms, in contact with the soil, often take root on their own. Layers can be obtained by autumn if, at the beginning of summer, the branch is pinned to the ground and covered with soil at the point of contact.
Forsythia is responsive to propagation by green cuttings in spring and summer (no later than June). Chopped shoots are treated with a growth regulator, planted in a garden bed in open ground, covered with film or any other plastic container. At a temperature of 22–25 ⁰ C and sufficient humidity, 95–100% of green cuttings take root.
Decorative use of early flowering shrubs
Amateur gardeners and landscape design specialists appreciate yellow bush for his special ability to color spring garden bright colors, so forsythia is often planted in tapeworms on open areas and lawns.
The second direction of use of shrubs is the design of hedges. It grows back quite quickly and lends itself well to cutting. For these purposes, species of medium height with erect stems are suitable, for example, forsythia ovate, which is ideal in this regard in all respects - low (up to 1.5 m), cold-resistant, does not require shelter for the winter, has beautiful and dense bright green foliage colors, in the autumn it acquires an elegant orange-purple color.
Forms with thin drooping stems (F. drooping) are planted along walls, along the perimeter of arbors, hedges, arches, and branches are sent along trellises.
Forsythia, care features:
Forsythia or forsythia is a plant in the form of shrubs or small trees. It is a member of the Olive family. Main feature Forsythia is considered to be an early bloomer; the bush is covered with bright yellow flowers in early spring, long before its first leaves appear.
This genus is one of the most ancient on earth. First of all, this is proven by a very wide natural habitat. Six species of forsythia originate from East Asian countries such as Japan, China and the Republic of Korea. In Europe, only one species grows, or translated from Latin, Forsythia europaea. Most often it can be found on the Balkan Peninsula and in Germany.
The plant got its name thanks to the Scottish botanist William Forsyth. He is one of the founders of the Royal Horticultural Society and is also famous for for a long time was the head gardener at Kensington Palace. It was William who brought forsythia to Europe, borrowing it from the wild plant world of China.
Description
Forsythia grows as small trees or bushes. She can reach from one to three meters in height. The trunk of this plant is covered with rough bark, colored gray. brown. Most species have simple opposite leaves without stipules. They are oval in shape with jagged edges and can be from two to fifteen centimeters in length. On the shoots they are arranged crosswise - in pairs, two at each node. Selected species boast trifoliate leaves, their plate is divided into three parts: two lateral and one central.
The flowering period of forsythia begins early spring and lasts on average up to three weeks, but sometimes it can last longer. The inflorescences are bright yellow in color and consist of flowers whose shape resembles bells. In their place, the fruits of the plant are formed - boxes filled with winged seeds.
Forsythia begins to bloom long before the first foliage appears, then the flowers are replaced by green leaves, which become purple closer to autumn.
Types and varieties
harbinger of spring, with its aroma and bright, sunny blooms, it decorates gray streets and reminds people of the imminent arrival of warmth. To date, within the framework of botany, seven main species of this beautiful flowering plant have been recorded:
Let's take a closer look at the most popular of them.
Forsythia europaea
This species is considered the most widespread in Russia. This popularity is due to the unpretentiousness of the plant and its frost resistance - it is able to develop and bloom well even in the climatic conditions of mid-latitude and Siberia.
Forsythia europaea looks like a short one upright shrub. It can only grow up to two meters in height. It has oblong, entire (without teeth or grooves) leaves up to seven centimeters in length. The flowers grow singly, their shape is similar to bells and they are colored yellow with a golden tint.
Forsythia ovate is a small shrub that grows from one and a half to two meters in height. They have spreading branches covered with gray bark with a yellowish tint. The leaves can reach up to seven centimeters in length. In summer they are brightly colored green, and closer to autumn they acquire a purple tint.
The bright yellow inflorescences consist of single medium-sized flowers with a diameter of up to two centimeters. The flowering period of this species begins earlier than that of other forsythia.
The plants tolerate winter cold and dry periods well and grow quite quickly. The most popular varieties related to this species:
- Tetragold- a shrub rarely exceeding one meter in height. The flowering period begins in mid-April. The inflorescences consist of single dark yellow flowers with a diameter of up to three centimeters.
- Goldzauber- is considered a very valuable variety. It is very popular among gardeners due to its large golden-yellow inflorescences and frost resistance. The flowering period begins in April and lasts about three weeks.
- Spring Glory- shrub up to three meters in height. In summer, the crown has a rich green color. Closer to autumn it acquires an additional shade from pale yellow to dark purple, which is why it becomes quite variegated. The flowering is very abundant, the flowers are large, colored bright yellow color.
Forsythia intermedia
Forsythia intermedia is a hybrid created by crossing dark green forsythia and drooping forsythia. It grows up to three meters in height and begins to bloom only in the fourth year after planting.
She has oblong leaves, up to ten centimeters in length. They are most often serrated, but plants with trifoliate foliage can be found. The crown is dark green, which does not change until late autumn. Bright yellow flowers form inflorescences of several pieces. The flowering period lasts from April to May. The species is very winter-hardy, drought-resistant, grows quickly and well. Varieties:
- Spectabilis- is considered a very beautiful variety. The bushes are low, only a meter high. The main feature is the crown of this species. It is very thick and lush, can reach one hundred and twenty centimeters in diameter. In summer the foliage is green and in autumn it turns purple or bright yellow.
- Denziflora- a small bush, can reach one and a half meters in height or less. The volume of the crown is usually equal to the height of the plant. The flowers are twisted and pale yellow in color. It begins to bloom in March, the inflorescences last about two to three weeks. This variety is afraid of frost.
- Beatrix Farrand- bushes up to four meters high. The flowers are bright yellow and have dark yellow stripes at the base.
The early start of the flowering period makes forsythia stand out from other shrubs. Its unpretentiousness to location and care only adds to its popularity among gardeners. Noting some features that Things to consider when growing this wonderful flowering bush:
- This plant is very light-loving, but grows well even in the shade.
- Forsythia prefers calcareous soils.
- Closer to autumn, the green crown of the bush acquires a golden or purple-violet hue, which again attracts the attention of all passersby.
- Experienced gardeners prefer to place forsythia against a background of dark green coniferous plants, since in such a place it looks most impressive.
When to plant forsythia
Transplantation and planting of forsythia should be done in spring or early autumn, before the onset of frost, so that it can take root before winter. The most suitable place for this plant, with good lighting and partial shade, well protected from wind and drafts. Of course, forsythia feels good even in the shade, but still, for heat-loving bushes it is better to choose bright places.
The composition of the soil for the plant does not have of great importance, but it takes root and develops best in slightly alkaline dry soils. If your site has fairly acidic soil, dig up the ground in advance, diluting it with wood ash.
How to plant forsythia correctly
Let's start planting forsythia:
- After you have chosen a place for forsythia on your site, it is time to prepare the planting holes. The optimal size is 50 by 50 by 60, in which case the earthen lump will be at a depth of thirty to forty centimeters, as required.
- If you decide to plant several bushes in close proximity to each other, then the distance between the holes should be at least thirty to forty centimeters.
- Prepare nutrient soil. To do this, mix one kilogram of leaf soil, five hundred grams of sand, half a kilogram of peat and two hundred grams of wood ash.
- Fill the planting hole with a good layer of drainage material. For these purposes, expanded clay, broken brick or crushed stone are most often used. The thickness of the drainage layer should be fifteen to twenty centimeters.
- Pour sand onto the drainage. The sand layer should be ten centimeters thick.
- Cover the sand with nutrient soil.
- Place the seedlings in the planting holes, sprinkle with soil and compact well to give the plant stability and avoid gaps between the roots.
- Water the seedlings generously after planting.
If you planted bushes in spring time, they will require routine care. Forsythia planted in the fall requires more attention. Without fail, the root square will need to be mulched, regardless of whether the plant belongs to a certain species. For the winter, seedlings should be covered special material. It must be breathable so that in the event of winter thaws the flower buds will not be blocked.
Caring for forsythia in the open ground is not much different from caring for any garden shrub. If there is sufficient precipitation in the summer, the plant does not need additional watering. But if it turns out to be dry, you will have to water the forsythia about one or two times a month, ten to twelve liters per bush.
After every rain and watering it is necessary to loosen the soil and remove weeds in an earthen square of forsythia. In order for the root system to be saturated with oxygen, loosening should be carried out to the depth of the shovel bayonet. After this procedure, mulch the soil; this can be done with compost or dry soil.
Plant nutrition
Forsythia should be fertilized three times in one season, starting in early spring. To do this, it is laid out in the tree trunk circle, not close to the bush. thick layer rotted manure, then it is poured with plenty of water. With this method of feeding, manure serves as both organic fertilizer and mulch for forsythia.
In April, mineral fertilizers are applied at the rate of sixty to seventy grams per square meter. After the end of the flowering period, when the plant begins to lay fresh flower buds for the next year, it should be fertilized with kemira - universal at the rate of one hundred to one hundred twenty grams per square meter.
Trimming
Young plants only require sanitary pruning. To do this, cut off all dry, broken and frozen shoots. In mature bushes, with the arrival of spring, the frozen ends of the branches should be removed. The main pruning is carried out in the summer, after the end of the flowering period. During it, all faded shoots are shortened by half, and old and dry ones are cut off, which will lead to the formation of fresh shoots.
Using pruning, you can regulate the density and height of the crown, as well as the shape of the bush. It can be spherical or cup-shaped. If you want to rejuvenate an adult plant, then trim all branches by four to six centimeters. This procedure activates the growth of fresh young shoots.
Keep in mind - you should not overuse such haircuts, this can lead to the fact that the forsythia begins to actively grow, but stops blooming altogether. Anti-aging pruning should be carried out no more than once every three to four years, otherwise it may lose all its decorative qualities.
Pests and diseases
With good care, forsythia is resistant to various diseases and pests, but at times it can be affected by moniliosis, wilt and bacteriosis. Moniliosis can be recognized by the appearance of brown spots on the foliage. To save the plant you will need remove all affected tissue. Wilting can be cured by spraying a solution of foundationazole, but bacteriosis cannot be eliminated, so you will have to dig up the bush along with the entire root system and burn it so that the disease is not transmitted to other plants.
Forsythia (forsythia) is a genus of shrubs that belong to the Olive family. They bloom beautifully in early spring, and their yellow flowers captivate the eyes of every person. The flower owes its name to the world famous botanist William Forsyth, who was involved in plant breeding and landscaping at Kensingen Palace. He first brought to European country shrub from China and created all the conditions for its natural growth and flowering. He became the first breeder who tried to create a unique species, maximally adapted to the weather conditions of Europe.
Today, this shrub is widespread in Russia, especially in the Moscow region. It is used in many garden plots, since this type of plant does not require special care or any special gardening skills.
Features of forsythia - description of the plant
Many people call forsythia a small tree, but in the biological reference book it is the plant is classified as a shrub. Its height can vary from 1 to 3 meters. The leaves on the shrub have a simple, oval shape with slightly jagged edges. Their length is from 2 to 15 centimeters. Forsythia produces bell-shaped flowers with a bright yellow color in early spring. Flowering lasts up to 3 weeks, and at the end a fruit-box with winged seeds appears.
Ideal conditions for growing forsythia
Despite the fact that the plant itself is unpretentious in care and does not require special knowledge and skills, gardeners have made a number of recommendations that will help you quickly and proper cultivation forsythia:
How does forsythia propagate?
Forsythia can reproduce in several ways: cuttings and seeds. Most often, gardeners resort to cuttings. To do this, use the lower branches of the plant that are in contact with the ground and root them. Very often there are cases when these branches take root on their own, which makes it possible to get a new plant.
In the case when the cutting method is chosen, it is necessary to cut off the lower branch and bury it in open ground, covering it with 10–15 centimeters of soil. It is very important to cut the bark during planting so that the root system can form freely.
The cutting method can be used from mid-summer to October. Late autumn young plant requires special protection. For this it must be covered with film and cover it with dry leaves or straw on top.
Boarding options available today ready seedling plants. It is rooted into the ground and must be protected from freezing in winter.
Forsythia planting rules
In order for the plant to quickly take root in the ground, for planting it it is necessary to dig holes measuring 50x50x60 cm. This will allow the horse system to be deepened into the ground by 40 centimeters. Each subsequent bush of the plant should be located at a distance of at least 1.5 meters.
It is necessary to lay 10 centimeters of drainage at the bottom of the hole for forsythia. It could be broken brick, crushed stone. Next, a 10-centimeter layer of sand is laid, then a sand substrate is laid, leaf soil and peat. The top of the soil must be covered with wood ash.
A seedling is placed in a prepared hole and covered with earth, compacted and watered abundantly.
Plants that are planted in spring period do not require special care, and those planted in the fall must undergo the procedure of mulching the area. The material that will be used for covering should allow air to pass through well, this will allow the buds to avoid rotting during winter thaws.
Basic rules for caring for forsythia
So that the shrub pleases with its flowering and beautiful forms, you need to take proper care of it.
- Forsythia requires timely and proper feeding. The most optimal month for applying fertilizer is April. As soon as it has finished flowering, it is necessary to apply mineral fertilizer, it will help form new flower buds, which will be needed next year;
- caring for forsythia should include timely watering. Most often, the plant needs enough water from natural precipitation, but on hot days it is necessary to provide additional watering at least once a month. Required condition care is to loosen the soil after each watering. Loosening should occur to the depth of the spade bayonet;
- basic care also involves pruning the plant. The main task of such an event will be to thin out the crown of the plant, which will help stimulate the growth of new, young shoots. Old, damaged branches need to be trimmed to 2/3 of their length. It is better to start the work itself immediately after flowering, before new leaves appear on the bush. If the bush has become very dense and wide, it is necessary to carry out corrective pruning.
In our climatic conditions, forsythia grows 5 different species. Each of these types has its own characteristics and external differences. Today they distinguish the following types plants:
- forsythia hanging or hybrid;
- the plant is ovoid or European;
- dark green forsythia.
Forsythia drooping
This species is most often used by gardeners in their gardens. Many people can find photos of this plant. This shrub reaches 3 meters, with arched, drooping branches.
The stems are olive-colored and oval-shaped with toothy edges. During flowering, bright golden flowers bloom on the plant, the diameter of which is about 2 centimeters. All of them collected in inflorescences of 3–5 pieces.
Forsythia hybrid
This plant is the result of experiments by selectors. It tolerates frost and drought well, and this shrub has a luxurious appearance. Its height reaches 3.5 meters, shoots can be straight or inclined. During flowering, bright yellow inflorescences appear on the bush. This species requires minimal care, which makes it the most popular among gardeners.
Forsythia ovate
In the photo, this type of shrub has an elegant shape. Its height varies within 2 meters, while the crown has widely scattered leaves and branches. During flowering, the entire bush is beautifully covered with bright yellow inflorescences. Once the flowering period is over, the shrub also looks amazing, as beautiful, oval-shaped leaves appear on it.
This type of forsythia blooms earlier than others and looks amazing in autumn.
Forsythia europaea
This plant attracts gardeners with its shape; it always forms an amazing hemisphere with a large diameter. The flowers on it during flowering have a bright lemon color, and the leaves are pale yellow. A feature of this plant is its longevity: in one place the plant can grow up to 70 years.
Forsythia dark green
The name of the plant fully characterizes it appearance. The flowers on the plant have a beautiful light green color, and the leaves are dark green. This species is undemanding in care, is not afraid of drought, and planting it is also easy. The plant can grow even in dry areas.
Diseases and pests that forsythia is afraid of
Basically, this plant is not afraid of diseases and pests. But sometimes you can find a fungal disease such as Phomopsis. Small wart-shaped growths appear on the plant. It is impossible to cure such a disease; it is necessary to dig up the old forsythia and plant a new one in its place.
You can also notice leaves on the plant that are covered with small spots or specks - this is a sign of infection by the Altenaria or Phyllosticta fungus. You can fight this disease with copper sulfate.
The fungi Lygus and Poeecilcapsus contribute to the formation of chestnut spots on the leaves. To control it is necessary to use an insecticide.
If the plant begins to wilt, it can be treated with foundationazole or captan. You can also degrease the soil using carbation.
Very often the cause of forsythia lethargy can be root rotting. To avoid such damage, it is necessary to regulate proper watering. Optimal care in this case, it’s 15 liters of water every 3 weeks.
In the case where the root system has rotted, there is no need to immediately throw away the plant. It is enough to dig it up, cut off all damaged areas and soak the root system in a disinfectant solution for half an hour. This bush should be planted in a new, prepared hole. Only in this case will the process of growing and reproduction be problem-free.
What place does forsythia occupy in landscape design?
This plant is most often chosen for landscaping summer cottages, garden plots. Today this plant is actively planted in city squares and parks, as it requires a minimum of care, but at the same time has a luxurious appearance and is capable of blooming wonderfully. In addition to early flowering, this plant provides beautiful shade in summer, and in winter it has great view. Many landscape designers plant forsythia with others similar plants, which forms a beautiful, bright corner of nature.
Also, today you can find bright compositions from different varieties forsythia, which allows the use bright colors nature and create unique corners of wildlife that will decorate and delight everyone. Forsythia, which can be propagated to brighten any space, can be an excellent element of extravagant design.
Forsythia is perennial unpretentious plant which requires a minimum of care. All you need is to buy a cutting, plant it correctly and care for it throughout the year, and a wonderful green oasis will be provided on your site. Reproduction also does not require much effort. This plant can bloom beautifully.
For me, spring begins from the moment when forsythia blooms - a miracle happens and the sun settles in this flower. Winter depression is leaving somewhere, the world is painted in bright colors. Her golden outfit on tender branches, so defenseless, even without leaves, evokes tenderness.
That’s why I take care of this plant with such pleasure, I have studied all the intricacies of care, by the way, they are not at all complicated, which I will be happy to share with you.
With the arrival of the earliest spring, when all nature is still in complete thought, people meet in squares and parks bright bushes, densely decorated with sunny-colored buds. They bloom before the leaves appear.
Thanks to its very abundant flowering, forsythia has earned the name “golden lilac”, “golden rain”, “golden bells”. Golden splashes of flowers strew the branches, still bare after hibernation. In hot weather, the flowers will not last long, but if the spring is cool and cloudy, then you can watch the “golden lilac” bloom for a whole month.
Science knows seven types of forsythia, which are widespread throughout southern Europe and the east of the Asian continent. Most often you can find hybrids of hanging forsythia, the homeland of which is considered to be the forests of China. In the middle latitudes of Russia, the most cultivated forsythia is ovoid, and hanging and intermediate forsythia are also found.
In the warmer climatic zones of the southern part of Russia, European forsythia and its hybrid varieties are grown.
The Forsythia plant belongs to the Olive family. Its flowering begins at the very beginning of the growing season with sunny yellow flowers. Due to the antiquity of the genus, the shrub has a wide distribution. In East Asian countries there are six different types Forsythia.
Only European forsythia (Forsythia europaea) grows in Europe, mostly in the southern regions.
The bush received its name in honor of the botanist W. Forsyth. It was thanks to him that the plant came from China to Europe.
Forsythia grows as a low tree or bush, reaching three meters in height. The plant has rough, grayish-brown bark. The leaves most often have an elongated shape with serrations, but sometimes trifoliate leaves are also found. The leaf blades range from 2 to 15 centimeters in length.
Its yellow flowers resemble bells in shape. It blooms for almost a month. After this, seed pods are formed, which contain winged seeds.
Types and varieties
Type of forsythia “Dangling”
It is also called weeping or drooping. It is the mother plant for most new hybrid varieties.
The plant can grow up to three meters in height. It has a widely spreading crown with thin, long stems hanging down. You can even see that sometimes the stems that reached the ground began to take root.
The thinnest stems are tetrahedron shaped and colored brown with a hint of red. Leaf blades are trilobed, elongated. Flowering begins in early spring with fiery yellow flowers. They are collected in inflorescences of 5-6 bell flowers.
In mid-latitudes, the bush needs winter shelter.
In Chinese folk medicine is one of medicinal plants, which is used as an antitumor, removes toxins, as a vasodilator, improves the functioning of many internal organs.
Forsythia as decoration and treatment:
Variety of forsythia hanging "Siebold"
This variety is distinguished by its larger buds, which are colored a darker shade of yellow. Thanks to its long flexible branches, it is widely used as decoration for a variety of designs.
Variety of hanging forsythia "Fortune"
It has very large flowers for its appearance, painted in a bright, rich yellow color. Thin stems of dark purple color look very catchy. Belongs to winter-hardy varieties.
Forsythia variety “Dropping variegated”
Variegated varieties of forsythia have also been bred, having variegated yellow leaves with green splashes, represented by the “Dropping Variegated Leaf” variety.
Type of forsythia “Ovate”
This bush is somewhat lower, growing no higher than two meters in height. The bark has a rough texture and is colored gray with a tint of yellow, and the leaf blades are bright green. During flowering, in early spring, the stems are densely strewn with rich yellow buds.
It is quite well adapted to winter cold; even in severe frosts, only young branches freeze out. Subsequently, they grow back without difficulty.
Type of forsythia “Intermediate”
Very common in Western Europe, it was obtained by crossing dark green and drooping. It grows as a tall shrub, reaching three meters in height. The stems of the plant are quite thick, the leaf plates are elongated, jagged at the edges.
Belongs to frost-resistant varieties. Several varieties of this species have been developed. For example, “Luxurious” blooms very profusely, the flowers are light yellow, collected in bunches.
Type of forsythia "European"
The most frost-resistant species of all. IN natural conditions not common, prefers to grow in rocky areas of forests.
It is a lush bush growing up to two meters in height. It has strong, elastic stems, bright yellow flowers, with stripes of a darker tone, up to 3-4 centimeters in diameter.
Type of forsythia "Giralda"
It is very reminiscent of “European” forsythia, but is somewhat inferior to it in terms of frost resistance. It has erect, quadrangular stems and can reach two meters in height. The flowers are large, pale yellow.
Type of forsythia “dark green”
It grows wild in the wooded mountains of China.
This tall bush, growing up to three meters in height, has very original colored flowers: they are deep yellow with a hint of lush green, large, about 4 centimeters in diameter.
This plant is not frost-resistant; it requires very delicate branches. good shelter in winter.
Medium forsythia variety
It is a hybrid of hanging and dark green forsythia. A lush tall bush of medium forsythia grows up to three meters in height. Does not tolerate winter frosts very well. Tender stems often freeze slightly, but this does not affect the spring flowering.
Forsythia in the fall becomes a real decoration of the site due to the color of its foliage, which turns purple, gradually acquiring rich colors. purple shades, resembling tongues of flame from afar.
When and how to plant forsythia
Planting or replanting bushes should be done at the very beginning of the growing season or at last days summer, definitely before the cold weather. The bush should take root before the onset of frost. Forsythia can grow quite normally in a shaded place, but it is most comfortable in a sunny area sheltered from the winds.
The quality of the soil is not particularly important; it is only important that it is dry enough, with a sufficient layer of drainage (15-20 centimeters).
When planting a bush, you must take into account that in the future it will grow in width. Therefore, about one and a half meters should be left for each plant.
If forsythia is planted at the beginning of the growing season, then further care for it follows the same algorithm as for an adult specimen. When planting at the end of the growing season, be sure to mulch the soil around the bush, and for the winter make a shelter from freezing.
Features of care
Caring for forsythia is similar to caring for other types of bushes growing in the area. If there is sufficient rainfall, no watering is required.
If the weather is dry, then watering is carried out twice a month, pouring about one or two buckets of water under the root. After watering, the soil is loosened and then mulched with suitable material.
Fertilizing is carried out three times during the growing season. The bush is fertilized for the first time in early spring with rotted manure or a complex of organic fertilizers.
The second feeding with a complete mineral complex is carried out in April.
After the end of the flowering period, apply universal complex fertilizers. Fertilizers must be applied according to the instructions.
Reproduction using cuttings, video:
Reproduction
Forsythia can be propagated in various ways by vegetative means. The most commonly used method of propagation is using cuttings. Planting material is harvested at the very beginning of summer; their length is about 15 centimeters. The lower leaves are removed, and the cutting is dipped in a growth stimulator for 8 hours.
The treated cuttings are placed in a greenhouse filled with sand.
In autumn, lignified cuttings are rooted. They can be planted directly in moist soil, leaving only 2-3 buds on the surface.
For the winter, the cuttings must be protected from freezing with a suitable covering material.
With the arrival of warmth, the shelter is removed, giving the seedlings the opportunity to grow. By autumn the cutting will become a completely independent bush.
The method of breeding using layering is also popular. For this they use traditional way, in which the branches are pressed to the ground for rooting. Place them in the prepared groove and secure them in the soil with a pin. Then cover with soil and water.
Rooting is quite fast and successful. With the onset of warm days, the rooted cuttings must be separated from the mother specimen. The very next year the grown bush can delight you with its flowering.
The blooming forsythia, strewn with hundreds of bright yellow flowers, is impossible to miss! If a summer resident wants his plot to be decorated with forsythia every spring, planting and caring for it in open ground - key milestones on the way to success.
To Europe perennial shrubs, one of the first to break the monochrome of early spring, came from Asia and were named after the botanist who brought it to Old World first seedlings. Today, forsythia is the most popular species for landscaping and creating.
How and when to organize planting and caring for forsythia in open ground at a summer cottage? What does a shrub need for healthy growth?
Conditions for planting forsythia in open ground
Forsythia is an amazing plant that changes its appearance every season. In spring, these are branches devoid of leaves, but densely strewn with flowers. In summer, the bush is covered with greenery, which changes color to golden or purple in autumn. When looking for a place for forsythia, you should pay attention to areas where the shrub will be clearly visible and illuminated.
Although forsythia tolerate being in the shade, in the sun the bush becomes denser and more even. The plant is undemanding to soil fertility, but develops better on soil with an alkaline reaction and good drainage. Culture:
- undemanding to care;
- has excellent frost resistance, which simplifies the wintering of forsythia in open ground;
- tolerates drought well;
- responds well to trimming and can be used for growing hedges.
There are two options for planting forsythia in the ground: in spring and autumn. In the first case, young shrubs, after acclimatization, immediately begin to grow, producing new shoots. Bushes brought into the garden in the fall only take root and begin to grow after wintering.
Timing for planting forsythia in the ground
The time for transferring seedlings to the garden is chosen depending on the region and the quality of the planting material. Many nurseries today offer young plants with a closed root system. Seedlings grown in containers are transplanted along with earthen lump, so the roots do not suffer, the bush easily and quickly adapts to its new place of residence. And the summer resident is guaranteed easy care for forsythia in the open ground after planting, whenever it occurs: in spring, summer or autumn. 
For seedlings with an open root system better landing in the spring months, when the threat of sudden frosts has passed, or in the fall, about a month before the onset of seasonal cold. During this period of time, the bush will acclimatize and be able to prepare for winter.
Since the climatic conditions in the regions of the country are significantly different, there is a significant difference in the timing of planting and caring for forsythia in the open ground, in the Moscow region and, for example, in central and northern Siberia, where the heat comes later and summer is much shorter:
- If you delay planting plants in the garden, their adaptation and rooting will be delayed, and the shoots that have sprouted over the summer will not have time to get stronger before the onset of frost.
- Early spring planting poses a risk of freezing of the buds and tips of the shoots, and in case of severe frosts on the soil, damage to the growing points and roots.
In autumn, planting forsythia in the ground also depends on weather and climatic conditions and can vary even within one region, for example, such a large one as the Urals. If in the south gardeners live according to a calendar similar to that used by summer residents in the middle zone, then in the north the weather is much harsher and more changeable.
Planting forsythia in open ground
Forsythia prefer dry, well-drained soil and do not tolerate stagnant soil moisture. Therefore, at the bottom of planting holes 60 cm deep and 50 cm wide, powerful drainage is made from broken brick, expanded clay or gravel. It is especially important not to neglect this measure in areas with dense, water-retaining soil and where groundwater lie too close. An example is the planting and care of forsythia in the Leningrad region.
A layer of sand and a pre-prepared soil mixture based on:
- 2 parts leaf soil;
- 1 part;
- 1 part sand.
For each hole, 200 grams of sifted wood ash are mixed into the soil. The substrate is poured into a mound, along the sides of which the roots of the bush are spread. After filling the hole, the soil is compacted and watered abundantly at the rate of 10–15 liters per plant. In the fall, after planting forsythia, caring for the bush consists of thick trunk circle. This will help conserve water in the soil and protect the roots from hypothermia.
Mulch will help in the spring, especially where summer comes quickly and the soil dries quickly, becoming covered with a dense, impenetrable crust.
Caring for forsythia after planting in open ground
An important advantage of forsythia is its undemanding nature and the absence of any special care. In the warm season, growing quickly with minimal care, they need:
- in watering, if there is no natural precipitation and the soil under the plants is completely dry;
- in maintaining the cleanliness and looseness of tree trunk circles;
- in triple feeding;
- in a haircut that helps maintain the health and shape of the crown.
In hot, dry times, the plants are watered generously once or twice a month, after which the soil is loosened, weeded and mulched. Lowland peat mixed with humus and wood ash can be used as mulch. This composition protects the roots from overheating and is an excellent long-acting fertilizer. In addition, the shrubs respond well to the application of complete fertilizers before and after flowering.
In the second half of summer, you should not fertilize shrubs with nitrogen. It will cause active growth of young shoots, which, even with proper planting and care of forsythia in the Urals, Siberia and the middle zone, will not have time to ripen and will die with the onset of frost.
An important part of caring for forsythia is pruning the bush. For sanitary purposes, the removal of dead, old or damaged branches is carried out in the spring, and pruning to maintain shape is carried out in early summer, when mass flowering is completed. Until recently, shoots yellow from flowers can be shortened by half their length, and old branches are cut out above the ground so that a few buds remain at the base.
Once every 3–4 years, forsythia is rejuvenated by evenly cutting all shoots by half or two-thirds of the length. Over the summer, the plant will restore the crown, which will be thick, uniform and young, so that next spring it will delight you with friendly bright flowering.
In most regions, the plant overwinters excellently without shelter. If the winters have little snow, before wintering, the forsythia in the open ground is carefully bent to the ground, secured and covered with spruce branches or dense non-woven material. At the first opportunity, the bushes are covered with snow.
Propagation of forsythia in open ground
The parts of branches remaining after pruning are excellent material for obtaining cuttings that will serve for propagation of forsythia. Green shoots are cut into pieces 10–15 cm long so that each has several healthy buds. The lower leaves are torn off, and the resulting cutting, after treatment with a root formation stimulator, is planted in a greenhouse.
In autumn, another method of propagating forsythia in open ground is possible. Lignified cuttings are planted in a school organized in a quiet place protected from wind and flooding. During the time remaining before the cold weather, the seedling will give roots, and 2-3 buds left above the soil surface will wake up in the spring and form a young crown of the shrub. Next autumn such plants can be planted on permanent place.
Planting forsythia in a permanent place - video
