Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
When my oldest son was just a little boy, we would say, “look, forsythia, the sign that spring is on its way.” Sometimes, hopeful signs are what get us through the tough times. Forsythias are one of the earliest shrubs to bloom and will begin to show new signs of life in late winter. They have the unique characteristic of blooming before the leaves emerge. Now that spring is in full swing, you can see the vibrant yellow flowers bursting in all their glory, announcing that brighter days are ahead.
Forsythias are easy to grow and, though they can take some shade, will bloom best in full sun. My forsythias were grown from cuttings that I bought one spring to use as a cheerful centerpiece for my dining room. I noticed that the cuttings were beginning to form roots in their vase of water. As an experiment, I planted them on the border of my property to see if they would grow. That was years ago, and now I have a nice bushy shrub. Since then, I have grown a new shrub from the cuttings of the original plant.
When pruning your forsythia bushes, be sure to do it soon after the plant has bloomed, since they bloom on old wood. By pruning too late in the season, you may sacrifice the following year’s blooms. Resist the temptation of shearing your forsythias into a rigid shape, since they look best when allowed to keep their natural shape. Thin out the branches for better airflow by cutting them to the base of the plant. You can trim away dead or ailing parts of the plant any time in the season.
You can use forsythia flowers as a pretty garnish or in salads since they are edible, but the raw flowers do have a slightly bitter taste. However, on the good side, this bitter taste makes forsythia fairly deer-resistant. You can also make jelly from forsythia flowers.
Though forsythias are not native plants, they are not invasive in New Jersey. However, they do grow vigorously. To tame your forsythia, cut off any branches that touch the ground since these branches can root and spread. Forsythias can grow 8 to 10 feet high. Aggressive pruning can help keep your plant in check. If you prefer to stick with native plants, witch hazel is a good alternative that is native to New Jersey.
Whether you decide to grow your own forsythia or choose to enjoy the vibrant yellow flowers of your neighbors, remember that even during the dark days, we can look to the forsythia with hopeful anticipation that good things await us.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
