Border Forsythia

(Forsythia x intermedia)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 8 to 10 feet
Spread: 10 to 12 feet
Shape: Weeping

Profuse, yellow, spring flowers are followed by medium green summer foliage; no ornamental fall color.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 5 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border, specimen plant, and screen.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily. Select plants that have bare roots or have roots balled and burlapped.
Tolerates a wide range of soil and light conditions, but prefers full sun.
Allow plenty of room for plant to spread.
Withstands city conditions.

Care:

Easy to grow.
Pruning is necessary to control size.
Prune in spring after flowers fade. Remove approximately one-third of wood, including the oldest branches and any weak growth, at ground level.
Flowers poorly if sheared.

Problems:

No serious problems.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of FORSYTHIA X INTERMEDIA:
`Spectabilis' (Showy Border Forsythia) is the most common forsythia.
`Nana' is a dwarf form which grows to 5 ft. high and 8 ft. wide after 20 years.
`Lynwood Gold' is more upright in form and flowers open up more fully.

Comments:

The profuse, yellow flowers of Forsythia are considered by many to be the first sure sign of spring.
Often used to control erosion on steep slopes because tips of branches root naturally and plants spread easily.
Flowers are often injured by late spring frosts.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-606 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Deciduous Shrubs"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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