The white forsythia (Abeliophyllum distichum) is one of the earliest blooming shrubs I’ve ever observed and photographed. The small white flowers pack a fragrant punch of sweet almonds and bloom a couple of weeks before standard forsythias (same family). The bloom time of this shrub coincides with peak timing of Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) which is a late March or early April bloomer depending on Mother Nature and where you live. There is a pink blooming selection called ‘Roseum’ which I have yet to observe and photograph. Native to Korea and hardy to zones 5-8, this member of the Oleaceae family will get 4-6′ tall and 3-5′ wide in time. While preferring full sun, this shrub will also tolerate part shade. The arching form of the shrub can appear unkempt in time and periodic pruning (right after blooming) can tidy it up a bit. The glossy green leaves aren’t overly exciting but the fall color can be a decent wine-red coloration in very late October. This shrub is also deer resistant. It is certainly worth growing though in a mixed shrub border or in areas where the early color and/or scent can be appreciated. Those early blooms are excellent for providing color and scent by being cut and forced to bloom inside or as part of a fresh arrangement.
