Forsythia: Specimen recommendation, Gamma rays

[Stuart E. Weiner]

Good morning.

I am new to gardening and have two forsythia-related questions I'd appreciate input on:

1. I want to place a 3-plant specimen grouping of forsythia in my backyard, in the 4 to 6 foot tall range. What types of forsythia would you recommend?

1. In doing a little web browsing, I've come across a couple of attractive forsythia types that are "gamma-ray-induced mutations." Is this practice common in gardening/horticulture? Is it controversial?

Thanks.

[dr-solo]

induced mutations arent controversial. certainly there is no threat to anyone.

I would suggest you f>Good morning.

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[DanielTX69]

Stuart, I think the suggestion of growing your own from cuttings is great, but if you want larger plants immediately, I would highly recommend a variety that I planted in the spring of 2006 from a 5- gallon container.

It's Forsythia x intermedia ( "Spring Glory" Forsythia ), which is from Monrovia. The URL is:

flower beautifully this past January, and had doubled in size (to about 4 feet) since then.

Hope that helps,

Daniel