Plant of the week

This is a vigorous, strongly upright, deciduous shrub that for a couple of weeks early in the year bursts into colour.

The problem with forsythia is that it has no real staying power in the flowering stakes, but it is a plant that needs very little care and is unbelievably hardy.

It will also faithfully produce those bright golden, bell-shaped flowers on bare branches in the spring. Plant a specimen in sun or partial shade, ideally in moist but well-drained soil., but they are not too fussy.