Forsythia are beacons of springtime. When the branches and buds start to turn a brilliant shade of yellow, we know that warmer weather is right around the corner.
Forsythia is named for William Forsyth, a founder of the Royal Horticultural Society. It was first introduced to Europe in the late 1800s. These shrubs are only native to Asia but have been cultivated all around the world in the last one hundred years.
Forsythia is a relative of olive trees. All eleven varieties have mostly identical small yellow blooms. Variations are found in the leaves and growth patterns of the plant.
Because forsythia blooms in early to mid spring, it is often associated with Easter. In fact, one of its common names is the Easter Tree. It is also sometimes known as Golden Bell because of the shape of the individual blossoms.
Forsythia stems are one of earliest to bloom in spring. Victorians used the unspoken language of flowers to convey feelings. They associated forsythia with anticipation as they looked forward to the end of winter. Forsythia could be given to a loved one to convey anticipation of an upcoming meeting.
Forsythia is also representative of reliability. Branches and buds are known to begin turning yellow while there is still snow on the ground and a chill in the air. Because they are sturdy once established, forsythia can be counted on to brighten your late winter landscape.
Almost all forsythia flowers are golden or lemon yellow. This color is said to represent cheerfulness, friendship, and positive energy. The association of yellow flowers with happy sentiments makes it appropriate for Easter, spring birthdays, “get well”, or any celebratory occasion.
These cheery flowers are usually sold in bunches of long graceful branches. They are beautiful on their own or as the focal point of a bouquet. They also make a wonderful gift because they are so easy to grow. In fact, it is commonly said that you can just stick a forsythia branch in the ground and it will take root. When they are done blooming in the vase, they can easily be planted for enjoyment in years to come.
Branches of forsythia usually have both closed buds and open blooms. Flowers will continue to open once inside the house. This carries on the theme of anticipation as you look forward to more buds opening. In this way, forsythia is a beacon of springtime.
With Easter fast approaching, we’ve recently been asked which is the flower that represent Easter. There are more than one, as we described in 
There really is no better flower to represent Easter, a time of rebirth, renewal and hope. Our favorite online florist, 
One of the flowers we most associate with Easter is the Easter lily. This name, though, is given to several flowers, including the 
And in England, Poland, Russia and Finland, the pussy willow is often used in church services on Palm Sunday, as replacements for the palm branches (since palms don’t grow that far North of the equator). Some believe the pussy willow signifies health and youth, relating again to the Easter theme of rebirth and rejuvenation. 
So when you put together your arrangements for Easter, and consider the huge range of flowers available to you, know that white flowers (tulips and daisies, as well as lilies and pale daffodils) can all be in the mix. Accent with some deep red, which many believe symbolizes the blood that Christ shed for his followers (tulips, or beautiful blood-red azaleas perhaps), and you’ll have a colorful and meaningful arrangement to share, symbolizing one of the most important Christian occasions.