Forsythia x intermedia (Border Forsythia)
Forsythia x intermedia (Border Forsythia) is a deciduous shrub forming a graceful fountain with its upright-arching to spreading branches bending to the ground.
Forsythia x intermedia (Border Forsythia) is a deciduous shrub forming a graceful fountain with its upright-arching to spreading branches bending to the ground. They are clad with ovate, sharply serrated, medium to dark green leaves, up to 5 in. long (12 cm), which die off green or with a hint of burgundy in the fall. In early to mid-spring, a profusion of brilliant yellow, four-petaled flowers open on the naked branches. The flower effect is spectacular, brightening the landscape at a time when not much else is in bloom. Border Forsythia is extremely adaptable, tolerating most soils and climates. Great in mass plantings, shrub borders, or as a flowering hedge.
- Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 10-12 ft. wide (300-360 cm).
- A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moist, well-drained soils. Best flower production is obtained in full sun. Tolerates average to poor garden soils. Some drought tolerance once established.
- Perfect as a specimen plant, for foundations or hedges, in mixed borders, on banks or slopes. Great for coastal gardens, or cottage gardens.
- Low maintenance, this plant is deer resistant and fairly trouble-free. Keep an eye out for leaf spots, crown gall, spider mites, and aphids.
- Prune immediately after spring flowering to encourage strong, healthy shoots and improve flowering.
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Requirements
Hardiness | 6 – 9 |
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Heat Zones | 5 – 9 |
Climate Zones | 1A, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Forsythia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid) |
Height | 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m) |
Spread | 10' – 12' (3m – 3.6m) |
Spacing | 120″ – 144″ (300cm – 360cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |