Overview
Forsythia europaea is a bushy shrubs in the genus Forsythia, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Forsythia europaea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include specimen shrubs and informal hedges.
About
Forsythia europaea, commonly known as Albanian forsythia or European forsythia, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family, with a native range from Montenegro to northern Albania. It is the only species of Forsythia native to Europe; prior to its discovery in Albania in 1897, it was thought that all Forsythia spp. were native to East Asia. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for specimen shrubs and informal hedges. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Forsythia europaea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Forsythia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Forsythia europaea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Specimen shrubs, Informal hedges
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Forsythia europaea
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Forsythia gall
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Forsythia europaea?
Forsythia europaea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Forsythia europaea need?
Forsythia europaea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Forsythia europaea hardy in the UK?
Forsythia europaea has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Forsythia europaea?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Forsythia genus
- Forsythia giraldianaGiraldi’s forsythia
- Forsythia ovata 'Naka?'
- Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens'
- Forsythia suspensa 'Taff's Arnold' (v)
- Forsythia togashii
- Forsythia x intermedia 'Ashmount'
- Forsythia x intermedia 'Goldzauber'
- Forsythia x intermedia 'Susan Gruninger' (v)