Scientific name: Forsythia spp. & cvs
Family: OLEACEAE
Common names: “Forsythia”
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 4-8
Light: Full sun – partial shade
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
Soil: most soil, not fussy
Moisture: Moist well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 3′-6′ W 4′-6′
Leaf and Stem shape: Ovate or sometimes trifoliate leaves, lenticels on stems
Flower: Bright yellow flowers on old wood, before leaves in early spring
Pruning: Can prune anytime, thinning cuts to the base, or can be turned into a small tree, handles a hedge-trimmer
Maintenance: Low
Landscape use: Plant where bright yellow is desired, hedges and screens
Propagate: By cuttings
Pests & Disease: None in Victoria
Comments: Easy to identify by lenticels, one of the most common shrubs
Cultivars: The most common Forsythia, F. intermedia, is a cross between F. suspensa with F. viridissima
F. x intermedia ‘Gold Tide’ – Low spreading, smaller, variety with lemon yellow flowers
F. x intermedia ‘Mindor’ – Large golden yellow flowers, compact form
F. viridissima ‘Kumson’ – Taller, handles more shade
~AGM winners: F x intermedia ‘Lynwood variety’ , a few others
