February Plant of the Month: Forsythia

These deciduous shrubs bear branches full of creamy to bright yellow bell-shaped flowers in late winter-early spring. It’s said that you know spring is near when the forsythia begin to bloom. Height can vary between varieties so be sure to check plant tags for sizing. Use Forsythia for naturalizing and in mass plantings for impact.

Forsythia grows best in full sun; however it can handle part sun at the cost of decreased flowering.

Forsythia is highly adaptable to different soil types but it does best in moist, well draining soil. It does best with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.

Prune after flowering has finished as Forsythia blooms on old wood (branches that have existed since the previous year)

Fertilize with a fertilizer for flowering shrubs, like Fox Farm Fruit and Flower.

Some of Our Favorite Varieties

Lynwood Gold – Averages 6-8′ tall at maturity. Flowers have a deeper, mor golden hue than other Forsythia.

Spring Glory – Averages 6-8′ tall at maturity. One of the earliest blooming varieties of Forsythia.

Show Off – Averages 4-6′ tall at maturity. One of the heaviest blooming varieties of Forysthia.