Those bright, yellow and gold flowers of the forsythia shrub are indeed one of the first signs of spring! They blossom early in the spring, well before their leaves come out. The flowers range from 1 to 2 inches across and cover the many stems of the shrub. Forsythia can be grown in sunny locations, as well as in light shade. They are prolific growers and are adapted well to dry conditions. Forsythia are particularly effective when grown in a front yard and can provide quite an impact in the early Spring with their bright flowers. They are also very showy when planted as a hedge. For a hint of Spring in your home, the stems of forsythia can be cut, brought inside, and put in water for early flowering.
Forsythia ‘intermedia’ hybrids (also known as Border Forsythia) are the most popular. One of the most common grown hybrids is ‘Lynwood Gold’ and has been widely grown for many years and can grows 6-8 feet high and spread.
There is also ‘Kumson’ which is a new variety that has very striking variegated leaves. These beautiful leaves extend the ornamental value of this variety beyond the flowering period to the entire season. Kumson grows to about the same size as Lynwood. It is suggested that it is pruned often to produce a more effective display of its striking variegated leaves.
‘Gold Tide’ is a compact forsythia that grows up to 2 feet and has a spread up to 4 feet. It is hardy in our area, but needs adequate snow cover to flower well. An older variety, ‘Arnold Dwarf’ forsythia grows about the same size, but from our experience does not flower well.
Some forsythia can become “leggy”, especially those that are grown in shady areas, we recommend keeping them pruned to so they can keep their density. Pruning should take place just after the flowers are gone and as new flower buds are developed during the summer.
At Dobias Landscaping and Garden Center, we grow Lynwood, Northern Sun, Kumson and Gold Tide, but there are several varieties of forsythia that are well-suited to our area and should be considered in many landscapes. We would be happy to talk with you about which varieties will work best for you.
Forsythia ‘intermedia’ hybrids (also known as Border Forsythia) are the most popular. One of the most common grown hybrids is ‘Lynwood Gold’ and has been widely grown for many years and can grows 6-8 feet high and spread.
There is also ‘Kumson’ which is a new variety that has very striking variegated leaves. These beautiful leaves extend the ornamental value of this variety beyond the flowering period to the entire season. Kumson grows to about the same size as Lynwood. It is suggested that it is pruned often to produce a more effective display of its striking variegated leaves.
‘Gold Tide’ is a compact forsythia that grows up to 2 feet and has a spread up to 4 feet. It is hardy in our area, but needs adequate snow cover to flower well. An older variety, ‘Arnold Dwarf’ forsythia grows about the same size, but from our experience does not flower well.
Some forsythia can become “leggy”, especially those that are grown in shady areas, we recommend keeping them pruned to so they can keep their density. Pruning should take place just after the flowers are gone and as new flower buds are developed during the summer.
At Dobias Landscaping and Garden Center, we grow Lynwood, Northern Sun, Kumson and Gold Tide, but there are several varieties of forsythia that are well-suited to our area and should be considered in many landscapes. We would be happy to talk with you about which varieties will work best for you.
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