One of the first signs of spring is the gorgeous yellow flowers of the forsythia. This versatile flowering plant is a 'must' in many gardens because of its early flowers, value as a source for cut flowers and use as a privacy screen or background landscape shrub. The late winter bare branches of the forsythia are covered with golden yellow flowers from February to April. During the months of December and January, the branches may be cut and forced into bloom for winter color indoors.
Forsythia grows and flowers best in full or partial sun.
It has many uses in the garden. Planted in an evergreen border, the golden yellow flowers really stand-out with the green background of the evergreens. They are not really fussy about soil, but will perform best when planted in well-drained soil that is enriched with organic humus. Simply mix about one or two shovel-fulls of these organic materials with the existing soil. Since forsythia is a deciduous shrub they are best planted or transplanted during the winter dormant season when the plants are not in growth.