Forsythia’s (Forsythia x intermedia), also known as Golden Bells, flower clusters bring a sense of sunshine and joy during a long winter.

Forsythia’s magic includes balance, courage, growth, happiness, and healing.

Did you know that Forsythia is a powerful healing plant?

In Chinese medicine, Forsythia is used for treating a variety of illnesses including skin problems, flu, stroke, and breast cancer.

An easy way to enjoy the blooms and colors of spring, and bring happiness and harmony to your home during these cold winter months is to force Forsythia’s flowering branches.

Here’s what you do:

• Take cuttings on a mild afternoon when the temperature is above freezing and the stems are soft + flexible.
• Make a clean cut that is diagonal and flush with a major branch.
• Cut young branches that are at least 12 inches long and have a large number of flower buds (fat and round).
• Bring the branches indoors and recut the ends of the stems at an angle before placing them in water.
• Submerge the branches in water, allowing the stems and buds to quickly absorb water and break dormancy.
• Remove the branches from the water, and cut a slit in the bottom of each stem before placing them upright in a vase with warm water.
• Place the container with the branches in a cool location with bright indirect sunlight.
• Blooms will appear in 1-3 weeks.

Tip: You can also force other flowering shrubs and trees like Crabapples, and Cherries.

Including Forsythia in your meditation space will also aid in deepening your spiritual connection with nature.

Enjoy filling these last weeks of winter with sunshine and joy.