Forsythia intermedia Complete Care-Guide - TN Nursery

Forsythia intermedia Complete Guide

February 21, 2023

Forsythia Intermedia Background

The forsythia intermedia is part of the olive family (Oleaceae). The forsythia genus has 11 species containing dozens of varieties and cultivars.

This plant was named after the Scottish botanist, William Forsyth. He was the director of the Royal Garden at Kensington and a founding member of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Native Range

The forsythia intermedia is native to Asia, namely China and Japan. It has been naturalized in southeastern Europe and North America in the past few hundred years.

Growing Habits

Forsythia intermedia is a deciduous shrub that grows six to ten feet tall with a spread of eight to twelve feet. It is a fast and vigorous grower.

This shrub has rough brownish-grey bark and bears its flowers before its leaves. Because its stems grow naturally in an arching habit, it seldom needs to be pruned.

The forsythia intermedia does best in full sun and can tolerate some shade. If it receives too much shade, its stems will have a scraggly appearance and may not bloom as profusely.

This shrub is deer resistant and does not attract Japanese beetles.

USDA Hardiness Zones

Knowing your zone is important when selecting the right plant for your outdoor space. To figure out your zone, go to our home page and type in your zip code. There you will be shown exactly what zone you are in, no sign-up is required.

The forsythia intermedia can grow in zones five to eight. It can tolerate being grown in zone nine if given occasional shade and enough moisture.

This plant flowers in early spring before it grows leaves. The flower buds of the forsythia intermedia develop in fall and go dormant in winter. With enough warm days, forsythia intermedia will break dormancy and bloom. If the forsythia intermedia breaks dormancy but experiences a hard frost, the buds will die and the plant will not bloom that season.

Though forsythia intermedia are hardy, their tender buds may need protection from frost in late winter/early spring. This can be accomplished by covering the shrub with a woolen blanket or tarp.

Preferred Soil Conditions

Forsythia intermedia prefers a somewhat moist, free-draining soil. It can grow in soils that range from 6.0 to 8.0 pH. This shrub tolerates clay soils and can withstand alkaline soils. This shrub does not tolerate wet soil or excessive and prolonged periods of dryness.

Where to plant in the garden

This is a shrub that blooms for about two weeks in spring and shows off mellow, warm foliage colors in fall. It is an excellent shrub for beginning the momentum of succession planting.

Succession planting is planting perennials, shrubs, and trees that vary in blooming times. This type of planting allows for there to always be something blooming or at its peak in the garden throughout the year.

The forsythia intermedia can be grown in borders or hedges. It can fit in many gardening styles including spring gardens, Japanese gardens, and cottage gardens.

How to Grow

Growing forsythia is as easy as planting any shrub. Here is the process step-by-step:

Select a location that receives plenty of sun throughout the day
Forsythia intermedia can be planted anywhere but at the bottom of a hill. This area is more prone to standing water and receives more frost in spring
Dig a hole just big enough to cover the roots and not the stem
If in a container, make sure roots are growing around in a circle, if they are, tease them apart so they can grow outward and not around
Gently backfill and firm in soil with your hands
Water thoroughly to help the plant establish and to remove any air pockets in the soil
Do not prune for the first year or two so the roots can fully establish
Fertilize each fall with 10-10-10 fertilizer

How to Prune

Forsythia intermedia can be left to grow naturally
Broken or crossing branches should be removed to minimize disease potential
It can be lightly pruned by cutting back 20-30% of the branches at the base, this will thin it out and allow more light into the center
If very unruly or overgrown, it can be pruned within 3 to 4 inches of the ground, this can be done every four years to rejuvenate it

How to Propagate

Propagation can be done in two different ways: by layering or by cuttings.

Layering

This means taking one of its low-hanging branches to the ground without cutting or breaking it. The stem, in contact with the soil, will form roots. After several months or when there are enough roots, the branch can be cut away from the parent shrub. You can dig up the new plant or let it grow where it is.

Taking Cuttings

The second method of taking cuttings is very similar. Take a cutting of about six inches with the diameter of a pencil. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone if you have it, and insert it into a small container of potting soil. Water the plant regularly and plant once roots are visible, this may take up to a year.

Forsythia intermedia for sale

With its bright yellow flowers, the forsythia intermedia is the harbinger of spring. It is one of the most striking spring shrubs with the benefit of being easy to grow. It blooms in early spring for two weeks and then grows its foliage. In fall, leaves fade from green to gold for another beautiful seasonal display.

Zone: 5 to 8
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Mature Height: 6 to 10 feet
Water: Average
Best for use as a hedge or in cottage and spring gardens

Buy Forsythia Intermedia here

Similar Shrubs

These shrubs are similar to the forsythia intermedia in their color, growth habit, or striking color. They all grow in similar conditions to the forsythia and can be used for succession planting.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel also has a beautiful yellow color, except it is most vibrant in the fall. This shrub makes an excellent screen to create a sense of privacy on your property. Because it is deciduous, it will lose its leaves in winter and regrow them in spring.

Zone: 3 to 8
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Mature Height: up to 25 feet
Water: Average
Best for use as a hedge or privacy screen

Buy Witch Hazel here

Northern Spice Bush

This deciduous shrub can grow up to 15 feet. It grows best in rich, well-draining soils. Like the witch hazel, the northern spice bush has the best colored foliage in fall. It gets its name from its enchanting, spicy fragrance.

Zone: 6 to 9
Sun: Full sun
Mature Height: up to 15 feet
Water: Average
Best for use as a hedge or privacy screen

Buy Northern Spice Bush here

Coral Red Dogwood

The coral red dogwood does not have yellow flowers or foliage. Instead, it has green foliage, white blossoms, and red berries. Best of all, it shows off bright, red stems from late fall throughout winter. This brings much-needed color to the otherwise dull winter garden.

Zone: 3 to 9
Sun: Full sun
Mature Height: up to 5 feet
Water: Average
Best for a hedge or in winter gardens

Buy the Coral Red Dogwood shrub here

Whether you are looking to add color to a late spring garden or just want a privacy screen, the forsythia intermedia makes an excellent choice. With it being such a low-maintenance shrub, it is a great option for the novice gardener and seasoned gardener alike.