Forsythia viridissima

Sunset

Forsythia x intermedia

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Zones A2, A3, 2B, 3-11, 14-16, 18, 19, 30-41

Full

Moderate

Greenstem Forsythia
Oleaceae
Deciduous, Shrubs

FORSYTHIA

Native to China, Korea. From late winter to early spring, these fountain-shaped shrubs’ bare branches are covered with 3/4 to 1 1/2-in. yellow flowers; budded branches can be forced for indoor bloom. During rest of growing season, medium green, rounded leaves with pointed tips blends well with other background shrubs. Use as screen, espalier, or bank cover; or plant in shrub border. Tolerate most soils. Prune after bloom by cutting to ground a third of the branches that have flowered; also remove oldest branches and weak or dead wood. In coldest-winter climates, flower buds may be destroyed by temperatures of 15° to 20°F/26° to 29°C.

Forsythia viridissima

From China. Stiff-looking shrub 6–10 ft. tall and wide, with deep green foliage, olive green stems, and greenish yellow flowers.