Its blaze of yellow flowers is surely one of the first harbingers of spring. Forsythia are widely recognized for their utility in a shrub border, a bank, or for hedging, and their light to deep yellow, four-petaled flowers.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsThe branches are great for arrangements and are easy to force in late winter.
CareGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Choice cultivars are suitable for specimen planting or rock garden placement. Prune after flowering (one option is to remove the oldest stems and selectively shape).
PropagationTake greenwood cuttings in late spring or early summer, take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
ProblemsArabis mosaic virus, stem gall, dieback, root knot nematode, leaf spot.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Forsythia
- Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Tolerance : Deer Tolerant
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Bloom Time : Spring
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : Yellow
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
