Forsythia viridissima 'BRONXENSIS' golden bell

Viridissima species of Golden bell originates in China. Bronxensis is one of its few but truly fantastic varieties valued for very attractive semi-evergreen foliage and primrose yellow, bell-shaped flowers in early spring (April in zone 6). Leaves are soft green, glossy, narrowly lance-shaped, and heavily serrated at margins. In mild winters majority of them persist on the shrub, falling down only when new buds burst out. Young twigs remain green for 1-2 years.

Bronxensis golden bell is dense and bushy without any pruning. It makes erect branches but spreads well to sides creating a somewhat mounding habit. It looks great combined with trees on short stems or placed in front of larger shrubs.

Golden bells are widely soil adaptable. They will tolerate poor soil, and both extremes: temporary drought and flooding. Grow them in full sun. Prune vigorous varieties immediately after flowering. Compact and dwarf types require no pruning and may only be lightly trimmed in late spring. They are hardy to min. -29°C (USDA zone 5), but withstand short spells of deeper frost.

Last update 15-03-2014