Common Name:

General Information

Forsythia × intermedia is a deciduous shrub with an erect to arching habit; it can grow up to 5 metres tall[].
An ornamental shrub, it is sometimes used as a hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

A hybrid of garden origin, Forsythia suspensa x Forsythia viridissima.

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Forsythia × intermedia is a cold-hardy species, tolerating temperatures down to around -25°c[].
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in a well drained ordinary garden soil but prefers a rich soil[]. Succeeds in limy soils[]. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in semi shade[]. Plants are tolerant of deep shade[].
A very ornamental plant[], there are several named varieties. Any pruning out of weak shoots, plus any trimming of hedges, is best done after the plant has flowered, since the plant flowers mainly on the previous year's wood[, ].
Birds may destroy the flower buds in cold areas[].
This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be grown as a tall hedge, the var. 'Lynwood' is frequently used[]. Var. 'Spectabilis' also makes a good hedge[] as does 'Beatrix Farrand'[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates within 2 months[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This is a hybrid species and seed will not come true to type.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10 - 15cm taken at a node, mid summer in a frame. Plant out in autumn or spring. A very high percentage, they root within 3 weeks[].
Cuttings of mature wood in a sheltered outdoor bed. Good percentage[].