Golden Bells | Forsythia intermedia 'Spectabilis'
Heralds the start of spring
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
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Golden Bells
Forsythia intermedia 'Spectabilis'
- A vigorous deciduous shrub with a well-shaped bushy habit
- One of the most popular and recognisable flowering shrubs, Forsythia boasts a profusion of golden yellow flowers throughout March and April
- Brightens any border and also makes a great feature plant in a front garden or colourful addition to a flowering hedge. Essential for spring flower arrangements!
- A fully hardy, medium growing shrub which will reach a height of up to 3m but can easily be maintained at 1-3m
- Tolerant of coastal conditions and great for banks and slopes
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Golden Bells can be grown in a pot initially. Start with a 50cm pot. Depending on its vigour, it may need moving to the ground after a few years. Ensure adequate drainage and water regularly during warm weather above 20°C.
How big does it get?
Golden Bells typically grows as a shrub to a height of 2 to 3 metres, with a similar spread of 2 to 3 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Golden Bells prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Golden Bells prefers moist, well-drained soil, but is highly adaptable to a variety of garden soil types, withstanding temperatures down to -10°C. Provide a 5cm layer of mulch to protect the roots.
How much watering does this plant need?
Golden Bells requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
Golden Bells should be pruned in late winter or early spring while dormant, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
How hardy is this plant?
Forsythia intermedia 'Spectabilis' holds an RHS hardiness rating of H6, making it fully hardy in the UK and able to survive temperatures down to -20°C.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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