Golden Bells Forsythia 'Fiesta' (v)

Water

Golden Bells should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to be moist but not waterlogged. During its growing season in spring and summer, water the plant about once a week, but always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering. If the soil is still moist, you can wait a few more days before watering. A good rule of thumb is to provide about one gallon of water per plant for each watering session, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. Reduce watering frequency in fall and winter when the plant is dormant, watering only enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely, which might be once every two to three weeks depending on the climate.

Light

Golden Bells thrive best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, place the plant in a location where it will receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. Some afternoon shade can be beneficial, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching of the foliage. The plant can tolerate some light shade, but flowering may be reduced in these conditions.

Temperature

Golden Bells are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They can survive winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for many temperate regions. The ideal temperature for robust growth and blooming is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The plant can handle summer highs up to the mid-90s, but prolonged heat above this range may stress the plant.

Pruning

Prune Golden Bells immediately after they finish blooming in spring to maintain their shape and size. This is also the best time to remove any dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy new growth. Typically, pruning is done once a year, but light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to keep the plant tidy. Regular pruning helps stimulate the growth of flower buds for the following year.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Golden Bell 'Fiesta' thrives in a well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The soil pH should range from slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.5, to promote the healthiest growth and flowering.

Repotting

Golden Bell 'Fiesta' does not generally require frequent repotting; it is typically repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Golden Bell 'Fiesta' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and can grow in average outdoor humidity without any special requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade; ensure soil drains well.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Forsythia 'Fiesta', commonly known as golden bell, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates, typically in the spring, when the soil temperature and moisture levels are appropriate. After germination, the seedling emerges and begins to develop roots and shoots; it then enters a phase of rapid vegetative growth, forming a woody stem and foliage. The plant experiences a growth spurt in the spring and summer, during which it focuses energy on expanding its branches and leafing out, with its variegated foliage being a notable characteristic. As the plant matures, usually by its second or third year, it develops flower buds in late summer or fall, which remain dormant over winter. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, Forsythia 'Fiesta' bursts into bright yellow flowers that cover the branches, providing one of the first signs of spring in the landscape. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, completes its reproductive cycle, and then enters a period of dormancy during the cold winter months, conserving energy for the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The Forsythia 'Fiesta', commonly known as the variegated Forsythia, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. This method involves taking a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) cutting from a healthy, new growth stem in late spring to early summer when the plant has lush, green, and immature stems that have not yet become woody. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting should then be placed in a potting mix that offers good drainage. The pot should be kept moist and in a warm place with indirect light until the cutting establishes roots, usually within a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted to its permanent location.