Forsythia × intermedia
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Forsythia × intermedia

Forsythia · Showy Forsythia · Forsythia x intermedia · Forsythia intermedia

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun Toxicity: low
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 5–9
Click count
200
Observations
2,537

Description

Source: leafsnap

Forsythia × intermedia, or border forsythia, is an ornamental deciduous shrub of garden origin.

🌳 Border forsythia has a notable environmental role as a bioindicator of soil contamination. Scientists have observed that its growth patterns and overall condition can indicate the presence of particular heavy metals and other pollutants in soil, offering a natural and economical means to monitor environmental health and inform remediation efforts.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Border forsythia does best in well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. It needs to be watered every two weeks. During the cold months, it goes dormant, reducing its water requirements as it gets ready for spring blooms.

☀️ Light Full sun

Border forsythia strongly prefers locations with abundant sunlight but can tolerate areas with moderate sun exposure. Native to sun-rich environments, it grows well in the presence of sunlight. Both insufficient and excessive light can hinder its healthy growth, causing wilting in low light and scorch from too much sun.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Border forsythia is a plant suited to moderately warm habitats, prospering in temperatures from 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 °C). During hotter periods, giving it some shade can help border forsythia stay within its preferred temperature range.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Timing is important when fertilizing border forsythia. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth phases.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Border forsythia produces bright yellow flowers early in the season. To keep your plant healthy and shapely, prune it in late spring after it has finished flowering. Focus on removing older stems to encourage new growth and preserve the plant's form. Be careful not to over-prune, as this can lead to fewer blooms. Consistent maintenance will improve the plant's health, boost air circulation, and lower the risk of disease.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Forsythia
Family
Oleaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Mature Height
2.44 m to 3.05 m
Mature Spread
3.05 m to 3.66 m
Leaf Color
Green, Blue
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Tags (13)

Common Names (4)

en Forsythia
en Showy Forsythia
en Forsythia x intermedia
en Forsythia intermedia