About
Forsythia viridissima, the Chinese golden bell tree, is an erect, semi-evergreen shrub to 2 m with erect, green-barked stems and lance-shaped leaves. Yellow flowers, 3 cm across, are produced singly or in twos or threes, usually rather later than other forsythias in April. An ornamental and distinctive forsythia for a sunny, sheltered border.
About the genus
Forsythia, the golden bells, are deciduous shrubs producing a spectacular burst of bright-yellow, four-lobed, tubular flowers on bare stems in late winter and spring before the leaves emerge. Among the most reliable and popular of all spring-flowering shrubs for borders and walls.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to birds eating the flower buds
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus and forsythia gall