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Plant Finder Tool

shrub

Showy Border Forsythia

Forsythia x intermedia 'Spectabilis'

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Showy Border Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia 'Spectabilis') at Rainbow Gardens

Showy Border Forsythia in bloom

Showy Border Forsythia in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Showy Border Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia 'Spectabilis') at Rainbow Gardens

Showy Border Forsythia flowers

Showy Border Forsythia flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  10 feet

Spread:  10 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  5a

Other Names:  Border Forsythia, Goldenbells

Description:

The harbinger of spring, with prolific yellow flowers smothering the branches in early spring ahead of the leaves, recedes into the background the rest of the year; a large and vigorous cultivar with large flowers, benefits from a regular pruning

Ornamental Features

Showy Border Forsythia is blanketed in stunning gold bell-shaped flowers along the branches in early spring before the leaves. The flowers are excellent for cutting. It has forest green deciduous foliage. The serrated pointy leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape Attributes

Showy Border Forsythia is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Showy Border Forsythia is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Hedges/Screening
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Showy Border Forsythia will grow to be about 10 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Screening  Garden 
Applications
Flowers 
Ornamental Features

Disclaimer - This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for current availability. It does not include our entire selection of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.