Overview

Forsythia intermedia 'Nimbus' is a bushy deciduous shrub in the genus Forsythia, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Forsythia intermedia 'Nimbus' 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 intermedia 'Nimbus' is a bushy, deciduous cultivar of the Forsythia genus, which belongs to the olive family Oleaceae. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for south-, west-, or east-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It grows well in a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained soil across acid, alkaline, or neutral pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H5, 'Nimbus' is ideal for use as a specimen shrub or in informal hedges and can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Forsythia × intermedia

About the genus

Forsythia, is a genus of flowering plants in the olive family Oleaceae. There are about 11 species, mostly native to Eastern Asia, but one native to Southeastern Europe. Forsythia – also one of the plant's common names – is named after the botanist William Forsyth.

Wikipedia contributors, "Forsythia", CC BY-SA 4.0Forsythia

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 intermedia 'Nimbus' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Deciduous shrub
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Specimen shrubs, Informal hedges

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Forsythia intermedia 'Nimbus'

Pruning
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage growth
Propagation
Semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Honey fungus, Forsythia gall

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Forsythia intermedia 'Nimbus'?

Forsythia intermedia 'Nimbus' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Forsythia intermedia 'Nimbus' need?

Forsythia intermedia 'Nimbus' 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.

How do I prune Forsythia intermedia 'Nimbus'?

Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage growth.

Is Forsythia intermedia 'Nimbus' hardy in the UK?

Forsythia intermedia 'Nimbus' 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 intermedia 'Nimbus'?

Semi-hardwood cuttings.