ShrubsForsythia × intermedia
Border Forsythia
Forsythia is one of the first shrubs to bloom in spring with an explosion of bright yellow flowers along bare branches. From March to April, this robust shrub turns the garden golden before the leaves appear. Forsythia grows quickly, is fully hardy, and makes a stunning specimen or hedge plant.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 200–300 cm
- Spread
- 200–300 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–8
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- yellow
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun for the richest flowering. Forsythia is unfussy about soil and even tolerates clay. Water regularly in the first year; after that the shrub is largely self-sufficient. Apply a light general-purpose feed in spring.
Pruning tips
Prune immediately after flowering in April — forsythia blooms on one-year-old wood. Remove a third of the oldest stems at the base to encourage rejuvenation. Never prune in autumn or winter, as this removes next season's flower buds.
Good companions
ShrubsBuxus sempervirens
Boxwood
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves that is ideal for topiary and hedging. The plant grows slowly and can live for hundreds of years. Small green-yellow flowers appear in April and May, attracting early bees.
ShrubsHydrangea macrophylla
Hydrangea
Hydrangea is a popular garden shrub with large, globe-shaped flower heads blooming from June through September. The flowers turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. A sturdy plant that thrives in sheltered spots with partial shade.
ShrubsSpiraea japonica
Japanese Spirea
Japanese spirea is a compact, free-flowering shrub with flat clusters of pink flowers from June to August. The shrub has a neat, rounded form and works perfectly in small gardens, low hedges, or as border edging. Some cultivars feature decorative yellow-green or bronze-tinted foliage.