Forsythia is a native flowering shrub that does well in a variety of settings. It's fast growth tight branch structure make it a good option for 3 season hedges, and mass plantings. Birds appreciate the dense hedge-like growth of forsythia for the cover it provides. Each spring forsythia provides a show of bright yellow blooms that smother the plant and signify the beginning of spring. It is very easy to grow and tolerant of many soil conditions. It grows 8 to 10 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide and can be used as a stand alone accent plant, or get multiple plants to make beautiful borders or hedge rows.

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Forsythia

Forsythia is easily grown is loose, medium moisture soil that is well drained. It grows well in full sun all the way to part shade making it useful for a variety of settings. You see best flower production in full sun and part sun, but will still bloom in part shade. It will tolerate poor quality soils, so good soil is not a requirement it just helps with growth and productivity. The shrub is hearty in zones 5-8, but in zone 5a it can struggle to flower, especially if left exposed as the harsh winter temperatures freeze the unopened flowers. Winter temperatures of -5 or less will affect flower buds. The shrub can develop an unkept look, so regular pruning is suggested immediately following your spring flowering (any pruning after mid-July will remove flowers for the following spring). Many options exist for pruning - we prefer cutting back 1/4 to 1/3 of the main stems leaving 2 of every 3 branches and then shaping the plant to the desired size and shape. Forsythia has good tolerance of urban conditions.