Open Menu

Blog

PLANT SPOTLIGHT: Forsythia

PLANT SPOTLIGHT: Forsythia

The bright yellow blooms of forsythia are amazing!  While most other plants are still dormant from the winter freeze, forsythia creates an anticipation for the warmer months by bursting into color during the early weeks of spring.

Forsythia is one of the first deciduous flowering shrubs to bloom in Northeast Pennsylvania.  All varieties prefer full sun but they will usually also do well in some dapple shade.  Forsythia is commonly used in groups as a screen/buffer or hedge and since most varieties have a fast growth rate, they are commonly used in naturalized areas as well.  Forsythia may sometimes be viewed by homeowners as a wildly looking shrub that only looks nice for a short time during spring; however, it can be a wonderful plant to use in the landscape design if maintained properly and the right variety is used.

There are several varieties of hybrids available in our area.  These varieties have certain characteristics that make them better for a specific site in the landscape.  Some varieties grow small and slow enough that they can be incorporated into a planting bed to compliment spring bulbs and then used as a foundation plant.  Some varieties can be used as a spring accent where other colors can take over once the blooms are done.  Larger varieties should be used as screens or hedges accompanied by evergreens or on woodland edges where they can be left alone.  Below are some common varieties available in our area.

Golden Tide – 2’ High 4’ Spread – Has low, spreading growth habit.

Use as a foundation plant, in planting beds, or on hills or slopes.

Show Off – 6’ High, 6’ Spread – Has a compact and upright growth habit.

Use as a hedge, a foundation plant, in planting beds or on a hill or slope

 

New Hampshire Gold – 6’ High 6’ – Has a drooping and mounded growth habit.

Use as a hedge, a foundation plant, in planting beds or on a hill or slope.

 

Spring Glory – 8 High, 6’ Spread – Has a compact and upright growth habit.

Use as hedge or screen or on a hill or slope.  It has a more upright and compact growth habit

 

Lynwood Gold – 8’ High 10’ Spread. Has a drooping and mounded growth habit.

Use as hedge or screen or on a hill or slope.  It has a more upright and compact growth habit

 

No matter how common they are, there will always be the desire of those early yellow blooms of the Forsythia once the snow melts.  They give us a feeling of excitement and anticipation that warm weather is just ahead.

forsythia

 

Signature Concrete Design Signature Landscape Design

Start Your Outdoor Landscape Planning Today!

Give us a call at 610.923.5073, contact us or stop into our Easton showroom to see what we can create for you.

Contact Us Today View Service Area