There are some plants that are so eye-catching that even when traveling along the highway, I get the question from a traveling companion "What's that plant"? Now, my 60 mph plant identification skills are not 100% accurate, but there are a few plants that are unmistakable.

Clarissa's "60 mph pick" : FORSYTHIA
It's been a loooong winter here in Minnesota, and we are still waiting to see the Forsythia bloom, but when we do-- we will final know for sure that Mother Nature hasn't taken a permeant vacation and SPRING is on the way. Exploding with yellow show-stopping color, Forsythia is the first bloomer we see and an Instagram worthy snapshot!

Design tips for placing Forsythia in the landscape:
When it's blooming, Forsythia is all show, but when it's in bloom there isn't much to see. New smaller varieties of Forsythia are available, but I prefer the larger shrubs for a big show! I like to use them in border plantings along the edges of the property with some smaller later blooming shrubs or perennials in front of them. It is important to remember to position the Forsythia so they can be viewed out key windows of the house. Since they bloom early, you will most likely be enjoying them from inside your house rather than outside on the deck or patio.

Growing tips for Forsythia:
-Easy to grow in average to poor, well-drained soils.
-Best flowering in full sun.
-Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
-Tolerates periodic drought, when established.
-Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.
-Prune to shape immediately after flowering