Forsythia – Mostly Found in Eastern Asia and in Southeast Europe

Forsythia is a group of about 11 species of flowering shrubs in the olive family (Oleaceae). Most come from eastern Asia, and one species grows wild in southeastern Europe. Forsythias are famous for covering their bare branches in bright yellow flowers at the very start of spring.

Scientific Classification & Quick Facts

Common name	Forsythia
Scientific name	Forsythia
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Lamiales
Family	Oleaceae
Type	Deciduous flowering shrub, olive family
Habitat	Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil
Native range	Mostly eastern Asia; also southeast Europe
Height	1-3 m, rarely up to 6 m
Colours	Bright yellow flowers
Flowering season	Late winter to early spring
Special feature	Flowers appear before the leaves

What Does Forsythia Look Like?

Forsythias are deciduous shrubs, which means they drop their leaves in fall. Most grow 1 to 3 m (about 3 to 10 feet) tall, and a few can reach up to 6 m (20 feet). The bark is grayish brown and rough.

The leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. They are usually simple, but sometimes they are split into three leaflets. Most leaves are 2 to 10 cm (1 to 4 inches) long, occasionally up to 15 cm (6 inches), with toothed or smooth edges.

Flowers in Early Spring

Forsythia is often the first shrub to flower in the garden, blooming in late winter or early spring before its leaves appear. Each bright yellow flower has four long lobes that are joined together at the base, like a little bell split into four petals.

In wet weather, the flowers often hang downward. This helps protect the pollen and other reproductive parts inside from the rain.

Because forsythias bloom so early, they are an important first food for bees waking up after winter.

Where Does Forsythia Grow?

Most forsythia species are native to China, Korea, and Japan. The odd one out is Forsythia europaea, which grows wild in the Balkans in southeastern Europe. Today, forsythias are planted in gardens and parks across North America, Europe, and many other places with cold winters.

Growing Forsythia at Home

Photo by: Marc Ryckaert

You do not need much gardening experience to grow forsythia. It is a tough, fast-growing shrub that does well in many kinds of soil, as long as the soil drains well and does not stay waterlogged.

Choosing a Spot

Forsythia flowers best in full sun, with at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. It can also grow in partial shade, but it will have fewer flowers. Because it grows thick and full, forsythia makes a good screen or hedge along a fence or wall.

Preparing the Soil

Forsythia likes soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, mix some compost, well-rotted manure, or other organic material into the soil. This gives the young shrub a good start.

Planting

The best times to plant forsythia are early spring and fall, when the weather is mild and rain is more likely. Dig a hole about as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide. Mix the soil you dug out with an equal amount of compost and a little gentle fertilizer, set the plant in the hole at the same depth it was growing before, and fill in around it. Water it well, and keep watering during dry spells for the first year.

Starting From a Friend’s Plant

You do not need to buy seeds to get started. Forsythia is very easy to share. Its branches often grow roots where they touch the ground, so a friend can dig up a small rooted piece for you. Cuttings also root easily in spring or summer.

Pruning

Forsythia makes next year’s flower buds on this year’s stems. That means the best time to prune is right after it finishes flowering. If you prune in fall or winter, you will cut off the flowers before they ever open. Removing a few of the oldest stems near the ground every year keeps the shrub healthy and full of blooms.

Forsythia as Cut Flowers

Photo by: Roberta F.

Forsythia branches are great for bringing spring indoors early. In late winter, cut a few branches covered in fat buds and put them in a vase of water in a warm room. Within a week or two, the buds will open into bright yellow flowers. This is called “forcing.”

A homemade flower preservative can help cut forsythia, and other cut flowers, last longer. With an adult’s help, mix 1 quart (about 1 liter) of warm water with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a few drops of household bleach. The sugar feeds the flowers, the lemon juice makes the water slightly acidic, and the bleach slows down germs. Stir it well, keep it at room temperature, and refresh the vase water about once a week.

Forsythia FAQs