About

A low, wide-spreading deciduous shrub to 90cm tall, with lance-shaped leaves opening after the profuse light yellow flowers which open in late winter and early spring.

About the genus

Forsythia are deciduous shrubs with simple, occasionally lobed, leaves and short tubular yellow flowers with 4 spreading lobes, borne profusely before the leaves in spring

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained but moist soil in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to birds eating the flower buds
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus and forsythia gall