This time of year when we are starved for flowers, is when this large shrub bursts into beautiful yellow flowers before the green leaves appear.  This sunny yellow shrub is truly a wonderful sign of spring. The cooler the spring the longer the bloom-time is for the forsythia.  The Northern Gold variety is very hardy and provides a great contrast in the shrub border. Prune immediately after flowering to allow for blooms next spring.

This shrub can grow large and its’ growth habit is naturally arching and vase-shaped.  Be sure to plant it in a space that will accommodate the size and spread.  The best time to prune forsythia is after its done flowering.  Be sure to prune out any dead canes and remove branches that are touching each other.  By selective pruning out some of the tallest, oldest close to the ground each year, new growth with continue to grow and refresh the plant’s shape and flowers for years to come.

Zone:  3

Height and Spread:  6′

Flower Power:  Golden Yellow Flowers in April

Foliage:  Dark Green on Grey Branches

Design Tip:  Under plant the forsythia with spring -flowering bulbs (such as blue scillia) for a fantastic spring show.  To continue the seasonal interest, under plant with  summer-flower perennials such as Dwarf Daylilies (Hemerocallis) or Coral Bells (Heuchera)