Forsythia Flowers

Yellow Forsythia Flowers - Photos And Facts

Name : Forsythia Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Forsythia, (Forsythia x intermedia))
Forsythia Description

Forsythia is a genus of 11 flowering plants in the Olive Family (Oleaceae). Most species of Forsythia are native to eastern Asia, but one is native to southeastern Europe as well.

Common names for this genus are Forsythia and Golden Bells. Forsythia derives its name after William Forsyth, the 18th century botanist who initially classified it.

In Korea, the F. viridissima, (formerly known as F. koreana), derives its common name Golden Bells due to its bright golden yellow flowers.

Forsythias are very popular as an early spring flower in gardens and parks. These deciduous shrubs grow to a height of 3–9 feet and, in some rare cases, up to18 feet, with a rough grey-brown bark. Forsythias thrive in full sun and prefer a well-drained soil. Their flowers are not fragrant but they bloom in early spring before the leaves appear, splashing the garden with bright shades of yellow.

Forsythia propagates usually by cuttings taken from green wood after flowering in late spring to early summer, between November and February. Low hanging branches often take root, and can be removed for transplanting into new locations. On the other hand, they can also be propagated from seed.

Forsythia can be forced into blooming indoors as a cut flower. This is fairly simple: cut off a few branches and put them in a vase with water. They burst into bright cheerful, golden yellow blooms in a couple of weeks, right in the dead of winter.

Border varieties of Forsythia are fast-growing shrubs with an upright and arching habit. The hybrid Sunrise (Forsythia x intermedia) is a compact shrub that grows 4'-6' tall with a spread of 3'-5', whereas the hybrid Meadowlark grows to a height of 8'-10'. In between is the two is the variety 'Northern Gold', at 6'-8' tall. Other popular varieties include Spring Glory, Lynwood Gold and Beatrix Farrand.

Forsythia Meaning

The lovely Forsythia is an enchanting flower, and it symbolizes Good Nature, Innocence, and Anticipation.

Forsythia Mythology

The Forsythia flowers have an interesting history. These bright lively flowers were once placed on the heads of scholars by the king after they passed the civil exam and acquired official ranks. The variety F. suspensa is called liánqiào in Chinese and is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Chinese herbal medicine.

These flowers are also able to produce lactose, or milk sugar. In Korea, Forsythia sticks are also used to bow a special string instrument called Ajaeng.

The beautiful Forsythia is the harbinger of spring. Korean legend states that this flower depicts the rejuvenation of love. Once a poet went on a long journey and upon his return he found his beautiful, faithful wife waiting for him on the gate. There he really appreciated her beauty and loyalty for the first time and in her honour he sang these verses:

In the Late spring the canaries come,
The Forsythia fades and the apricots fall;
And in the bamboo shade of my mountain home
Forever abides, my Love, my All.