Border Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Shrub

Border Forsythia
Forsythia x intermedia

3 pictures total. Back Next
Forsythia x intermedia flowers
Forsythia x intermedia flowers
 
Features
Bright yellow flowers in spring; autumn color is green with a tinge of purple (mild interest only). 
 
Culture
Full sun; well-drained soils; tolerates alkaline soil and air pollution. 
 
Cultivars
  • 'Lynnwood' ('Lynnwood Gold')- very showy plant with the bright yellow flowers held erect on upright branches.
 
 
Mature Height
8-10 Feet
 
Size
Medium
 
 
Mature Width
10-12 Feet
 
Mature Form
Irregular, due to a mix of upright and arching stems. 
 
Native To:
Of hybrid origin 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8 
 
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Uses
Border
Massing
Specimen
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Purple
 
 
Pests and Problems

Bacterial Disease

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease


 
Additional Notes

Forsythia hybrids: various species of forsythia have been crossed to produce hybrids that are more cold hardy. These include the following:

  • 'Happy Centennial'- 2 1/2 feet tall, flowers heavily, flower buds are cold hardy.
  • 'Meadowlark'- 6 to 9 feet tall, flowers heavily, flower buds cold hardy, arching branches.
  • 'New Hampshire Gold'- 5 feet tall, deep yellow flowers, flower buds are cold hardy.
  • 'Northern Gold'- 6 to 8 feet tall, flower buds are cold hardy, upright habit.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic