WHAT: Forsythia is the herald of spring with gleaming, golden flowers. While many forsythia become monstrously large and lack interest after flowering, Fiesta, a compact variety, maintains its interest through the summer with variegated foliage.
WHY PLANT IT: After flowers have faded, new foliage emerges with lemon- yellow leaves edged in green. Though its foliage mellows into the summer, its continues to provide an interesting focus without being gaudy.
Its leaves are burn resistant in full sun and, as with all forsythia, it tolerates a wide range of tough conditions.
WHERE: Forsythia is easy to grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade.
Although it can tolerate short periods of drought once it is established, occasional water during extended dry weather will keep it looking its best.
Its loose, upright habit works well with other perennials. Its variegation plays well off darker foliage plants as well as purple summer bloomers, such as echinacea, campanula and agapanthus.
HOW: Fiesta requires little pruning. Removing older, twiggy branches on more mature plants will encourage vigorous new stems.
Resist the urge to prune down or remove strong, whiplike growth, as these branches tend to provide the best flowering followed by lush foliage.
ACTUAL SIZE: Fiesta is a compact deciduous shrub with an upright growth habit that can reach about 4 feet tall and wide.
LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
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