I am quite surprised about picking Forsythia X intermedia, Border Forsythia or Yellow Bells, as March's Plant of the Month. Why? Because growing up Forsythia was the one plant that I hated. I thought it flowers for a very short period of time and the rest of the year it is a green meatball. Today, I realize that the green meatball is not to blame but those who pruned it into that shape.

Forsythia grows 8 to 10 feet high and 10 to 12 feet wide with beautiful arching branches if left to grow naturally. Some corrective pruning may be necessary but if left to grow in it's natural habit it can make an attractive shrub even when not in bloom.

The blooms are at their peak in the garden now, with pale to deep yellow flowers. Flowers can last 2-3 weeks.

The leaves are green during spring and summer and turn reddish purple in the fall.

Forsythia is easily transplanted bare root, container or balled and burlapped. Plant in full sun and it will grow in most soils regardless of pH. This shrub is fast growing.

Forsythia can have several pest problems (leaf spots, dieback, nematodes, and spider mites) but rarely are they troublesome.

Plant forsythia in a shrub border, mass planting, or on banks. A nice combination would include forsythia, hellebores, and daffodils.

Many cultivars are available. 'Winterthur' is a compact- growing form, 6 by 6 feet. 'Variegata' has creamy variegated leaves but often reverts back to green. 'Tremonia' has deeply cut leaves and 'Spectabilis' is the cultivar all others are ranked against for flower showiness.

So include forsythia in the landscape for bright yellow spring color but remember to give it room to grow so pruning will not be necessary.

Come out and see the Wilson Display Garden at 1806 S. Goldsboro Street. See our growth this spring as we start a new section of the garden. To view previous plant of the month articles or pictures of these plants, go to this website: http://wilson.ces.state.nc.us/staff/clauderd/plantofthemonth.html The Master Gardener Volunteers are available to answer your gardening questions on Mondays and Fridays from 1 PM until 3 PM by calling 237-0113.

Date Created: 2/27/01.