Early forsythia (Forsythia ovata)

Early forsythia

Early forsythia is a vibrant early-spring flowering shrub, known for its brilliant yellow blossoms that cover its arching branches before leaves appear. Hardy and deciduous, this bush thrives in a variety of conditions, preferring full sun to partial shade. Early forsythia's medium-green foliage turns a deep purplish color in autumn, offering year-round visual interest. Its resistance to cold makes it an enduring garden favorite.

Scientific classification

Species

Early forsythia (Forsythia ovata)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Shrub

Plant Type

1.2 m to 1.5 m

Plant Height

1.5 m to 2 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Yellow

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Early forsythia

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Early forsythia, including the following common varieties :

Easter tree 'Week'Easter tree 'Lynwood'

Quickly Identify Early forsythia

Bright yellow, four-lobed flowers on bare branches in late winter to early spring.

Rough, grey-brown bark with pronounced fissures, creating a shaggy appearance.

Two-celled capsules with winged seeds for wind dispersal, typically dry and split at maturity.

Compact, spreading shrub with arching stems bearing vibrant yellow blooms before foliage.

Distinctively ovate leaves provide identification aid amidst nondescript foliage.

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Care Guide for Early forsythia

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Early forsythia prefers well-drained soil and moderate rainfall, demonstrating drought tolerance once established. Watering every 1-2 weeks maintains health. Primarily an outdoor plant, early forsythia thrives in temperate climates, utilizing seasonal leaf drop for water conservation.

Fertilize: Before planting early forsythia, use organic base fertilizers like fermented manure or compost. Apply organic fertilizer with water after the first fall. In year two, fertilize with nitrogen post-flowering, then use phosphorus-potassium in summer during budding, and reapply organic fertilizer in late fall.

Pruning: Renowned for vibrant yellow blooms, early forsythia flourishes with annual pruning after flowering in early spring. Remove dead or crossing branches and thin out the oldest stems to enhance growth, air circulation, and future flowering, ultimately improving the plant's health and aesthetic value.

Propagation: Hardwood cuttings of early forsythia are best taken in fall to winter, while softwood cuttings should be taken during the growing season. For softwood, use shoots around 6-8 cm (2.5-3 in) long. Division is suitable in early spring once the plant has 2-3 branches, ensuring root integrity.

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