Forsythia x intermedia

Border Forsythia is a flowering, deciduous, perennial, fast growing shrub with many available cultivars. The plant has a fountain-like form and is noted for its brilliant and abundant blooms of yellow flowers in early spring before the leaves on its long arching stems appear. Border Forsythia is drought and moderately salt tolerant, but can be occasionally damaged by deer and may develop suckers. The plant matures to 10 feet high, but it can be pruned to keep the shrub's growth under control. Pruning should be done on the oldest stems immediately after spring flowering; if done after mid-July, you will likely remove flower buds for the following spring. The genus is named for William Forsyth (1737-1804), who was the Scottish superintendent of the Royal Gardens of Kensington Palace and author of A Treatise on the Culture and Management of Fruit Trees which in its day was probably the most widely read work on the subject. Border Forsythia is a hybrid between weeping forsythia (F. suspensa) and greenstem forsythia (F. viridissima), with the species name × intermedia referring to the hybrid characteristics being intermediate between those of the parents

Border Forsythia is easy to grow and does best in loose, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. although siting in full sun will produce more flowers earlier in the Spring. Forsythia is a forgiving plant and tolerates average to poor garden soils, urban conditions, and drought. The shrub is winter hardy, but colder winters and temperatures below -5 degrees F may retard flower development because of the impact of winter temperatures or a late freeze on unopened buds. The plant is easily transplanted.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are lanceolate, toothed, with a gland at apex
• Branches are square, 4-ridged, brown
• Flowers are yellow, bell-shaped, with 4 'petals'

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Relatively pest/disease-free; however, there is some susceptibility to leaf spot, crown gall and dieback. Watch for spider mites, aphids, four-lined plant bug, Japanese weevil and northern root-knot nematode.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Forsythia.