Items 1 to 9 of 9 total
Items 1 to 9 of 9 total
Forsythia
Uses:
- Borders & Hedges
- Focal Point or Specimen Plant
- Spring Flowering Backdrop
Features:
- Attracts Bees & Butterflies
- Pest & Disease Resistant
- Low Maintenance
Sunlight:
- Partial Shade to Full Sun
- 5+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 5-8
- What is My Zone?
Forsythia is a deciduous, fast growing shrub known for its cheerful yellow blooms in early spring. This easy to care for shrub offers erosion control and is a great focal point or backdrop for your garden area.
Why Buy Forsythia Online
Forsythia, is a genus of flowering plants in the olive family Oleaceae. There are about 11 species, mostly native to eastern Asia, but one native to southeastern Europe. Forsythia plants are great because they are disease and pest resistant, attract bees and butterflies, and are vigorous growers. Forsythia, commonly known as Golden Bells, burst onto the scene in early spring with its vibrant yellow flowers. This fast grower will require some pruning to maintain your desired shape.
The Best Way to Use Forsythia
Long arching branches flowering with yellow blooms make forsythia bushes a perfect choice for backdrops, borders, or focal points in your yard. Depending on the variety you choose, this shrub has a height 2 to 10 feet tall and a width of 2-12 feet wide. Winter hardy in growing zones 5-8, this bush has an arching growth habit and may need to be pruned to your liking. Forsythia grows best in full sun with some shade and well draining soil. Use this shrub on a slope to help with erosion control. Great for wildlife such as bees and butterflies.
Use as a backdrop or screening
Attracts bees and butterflies
Good for erosion control
Golden yellow blooms
Depending on variety, grows 2-10 feet tall
About Forsythia
Genus
Species
Family
Forsythia
Various species (e.g., Forsythia suspensa, Forsythia x intermedia)
Oleaceae
Common Names:
Golden Bells
Native To:
Eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea), Southeastern Europe
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
4 to 9
Flower Color:
Bright yellow
Flower Bloom Time:
Early spring (often one of the first shrubs to bloom)
Growth Habit:
Upright, arching branches
Attracts:
Pollinators like bees and butterflies
Tolerates:
Drought, urban pollution, a variety of soil types
Resists:
Deer and rabbits
How To Use Forsythia In The Garden
We love forsythia for its early spring display of bright yellow flowers, which appear before the leaves emerge. This deciduous plant is adaptable to various soil types and can tolerate drought once established, making it a resilient choice for gardeners. It grows rapidly and can reach up to 10 feet in height and 12 feet in width, providing a substantial presence in the landscape.
Forsythia can be used to create fast-growing hedgerows, offering privacy and a burst of color along property lines. Its arching branches soften the edges of walls or hillsides, adding a naturalistic element to the garden. Additionally, forsythia's early blooming period provides much-needed color after winter, enhancing seasonal interest in garden compositions.
Forsythia Care
Forsythia should be planted in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with full or partial sun exposure to promote optimal flowering. During the first two years, water the plants thoroughly to establish roots; thereafter, deep watering once or twice a week is beneficial. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for woody plants in late winter before flowering.
Pruning forsythia immediately after flowering prevents the removal of next season's buds; remove about one-third of the oldest canes at the base each year to maintain the plant's natural form. In colder zones, protect container-grown forsythia over winter by wrapping the pot with frost cloth to help safeguard the roots. Topdressing the soil with compost in the fall and mulching conserve moisture and prepare the plant for winter.
Learn More About Forsythia
Forsythia Companion Plants
Plants that go well with Forsythia are ones that provide a color contrast, as well as other early bloomers for an early spring show. Or you can find other shrubs that flower in summer and fall for 3 seasons of interest. Plants with pink, red and violet flowers all contrast well. Flowering vines like wisteria and clematis can create some beautiful pairings as well. Here are our top choices.
