Forsythia viridissima
Chinese golden bell tree
An erect, deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub up to 2.m high, with upright shoots which remain green in the second year, and lance-shaped leaves. The yellow flowers are 3cm across and produced singly or occasionally in twos or threes but usually later than other forsythia in April
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Forsythia are deciduous shrubs with simple, occasionally lobed, leaves and short tubular yellow flowers with 4 spreading lobes, borne profusely before the leaves in spring
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to birds eating the flower buds
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus and forsythia gall
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