- A Forsythia to Grow For Its Foliage and Its Flowers
For many gardeners, the first bright yellow flowers of forsythia herald the true beginning of Spring. While there may have been other color in your garden already, once the forsythia is in bloom, you know you’ve turned the corner and the chance of freak snowstorms or sub-freezing daytime temperatures are a thing of the past.
The only problem with forsythia is once the brilliant yellow flowers are gone, all you’re left with is a mass of green leaves. Sure they make an admirable backdrop for showcasing other plants but still they remain a boring spot in our gardens. That can all change with the addition of a variegated forsythia called Kumson Greenstem (Forsythia koreana ‘Kumson’).
‘Kumson’ flowers in early spring just like it’s reliable cousin but once the flowers have faded another show begins. As you can see from the photo, the leaves of ‘Kumson’ are a deep green and are veined in white. The overall effect gives the shrub a lacy effect.
‘Kumson’ grows to be about 5′ tall and wide and is appropriate for gardens in zones 5 – 9. It is not particularly fussy about it’s soil needs and will grow in both sun and part shade. Since ‘Kumson’ is so unusual, it is the ideal plant to grow close to a terrace or patio so you can appreciate it’s unique leaves up close.
I first saw ’Kumson’ up close last fall and it had a late flush of yellow flowers in addition to it’s lacy leaves. The effect drew me over from across the nursery and stopped me in my tracks. When I looked at the plant tag and saw this beauty was a forsythia I could hardly believe my eyes. Needless to say, I brought it home and promptly planted it in my garden. It’s buds are just starting to open but I’m already finding myself anxiously waiting for the unfurling of the first green leaves.
Debbie,
This sounds like a really cool shrub. Do share a photo of yours in bloom. I enjoy forsythia elsewhere, but have opted out of planting any in my yard for the very reason you note – they’re a flash in the pan. A client of mine has a stand of abeliophyllum – the “white forsythia.” Though not a true forsythia, it has the same form and is nearly ready to bloom now. Again, these are wonderful in bloom, and the fragrance is fantastic, but otherwise the shrubs are not at all appealing.
Joene,
As soon as I have a decent photo, I’ll put it on my blog.
[...] Then – Blackie’s 4F Garden Dictum: Flowers fade but foliage is forever. [...]