Plant of the week

Forsythia: This is a vigorous, strongly upright, deciduous shrub that for a couple of weeks early in the year bursts into colour. The problem is that it has no real staying power in the flowering stakes, but needs very little care. It will also faithfully produce those bright golden, bell-shaped flowers on bare branches. And then, when the flowers fade, green foliage appears and lasts throughout summer and autumn. Plant a specimen in sun or partial shade, ideally in moist but well-drained soil.