May 5, 1993

The forsythias were spectacular this spring in Iowa. Many of the shrubs were completely covered with bright, yellow flowers. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many of the forsythia varieties that have been widely planted in past years, such as 'Lynwood Gold' and 'Spring Glory', don't reliably bloom in Iowa. (They usually bloom well once every 4 to 5 years.) Their flower buds are killed by low winter temperatures. These varieties bloomed well this spring because of the relatively mild winter.