SCIENTIFIC NAME: Forsythia x intermedia 'Spectabilis'

COMMON NAME: Showy Border™ Forsythia

GARDEN SIZE: 8 to 10 feet tall x 8 to 10 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 5 to 8

EXPOSURE: Full sun

WATER & SOIL: Prefers medium moisture, well-drained soils; drought-tolerant once established

HABIT (FORM): Upright, rounded, deciduous shrub

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; medium green foliage follows flowering

FLOWERS: Large, bright yellow flowers in early spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Hybrid of Forsythia suspensa and Forsythia viridissima (both originally from China)

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

FERTILIZING: Not necessary, but organic compost may be applied in the spring.

PRUNING: Low maintenance; prune after flowering to shape and maintain size

TOXICITY FLAGS: Generally considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

USES: Hedges, Screens, Specimen, Spring and Fall Interest