Forsythia ovata (Korean Forsythia)
Blooming earlier than most forsythias, Forsythia ovata (Korean Forsythia) is a compact, bushy, deciduous shrub with a dense, erect habit and slightly arching branches. In late winter to early spring, they boast a profusion of small pale yellow flowers, about half the size of those of Forsythia x intermedia (Border Forsythia). shrub borders or as a flowering hedge.
Blooming earlier than most forsythias, Forsythia ovata (Korean Forsythia) is a compact, bushy, deciduous shrub with a dense, erect habit and slightly arching branches. In late winter to early spring, they boast a profusion of small pale yellow flowers, about half the size of those of Forsythia x intermedia (Border Forsythia). They open on the naked branches from flower buds noted for their excellent hardiness. The ovate, dark green leaves usually have serrate margins. Korean Forsythia is extremely adaptable, tolerating most soils. Great in mass plantings, shrub borders or as a flowering hedge.
- Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 5-7 ft. wide (150-210 cm).
- A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is best grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils. Best flower production is obtained in full sun. Some drought tolerance once established.
- Perfect as a specimen plant, for foundations or hedges, in mixed borders, on banks or slopes. Great for cottage gardens.
- Low maintenance, this plant is deer resistant and fairly trouble free. Keep an eye out for leaf spot and crown gall.
- Prune after flowering to maintain good form.
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
- Native to Korea
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5 – 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 5 – 7 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 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)Winter |
| Height | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
| Spread | 5' – 7' (150cm – 210cm) |
| Spacing | 60″ – 84″ (150cm – 210cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Hedges and Screens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |