Forsythia



Sunny splashes of bright yellow flowers are forsythia's calling card, announcing the return of spring. The blooms on this olive family member are slightly bell-shape and range from butter yellow to gold.

To nurture forsythia's graceful vase shape, careful pruning is required. Otherwise, new growth sprouts straight up into a "bad hair day" effect. The toothed leaves will deepen into purple tints just before they drop in late fall. To encourage the best flowering, plant forsythia in full sun and provide plenty of water during the growing season. For a spring spectacle, train forsythia against a warm wall as an espalier.

Cold-winter gardeners should look for cold-hardy cultivars to guarantee plenty of blooms come spring.

Light: Sun,Part Sun
Zones: 4-9
Plant Type: Shrub
Plant Height: To 15 feet tall
Plant Width: To 9 feet wide
Landscape Uses: Beds & Borders, Privacy, Slopes, Groundcover
Special Features: Flowers, Fall Color, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant, Easy to Grow