Forsythia Spectabilis

A long-established hybrid forsythia grown for its cheerful, yellow spring blossom, Forsythia x intermedia Spectabilis is a large, vigorous, fast-growing, deciduous shrub with an open, upright, vase-shaped habit. Masses of pretty, four-petalled, golden-yellow flowers are borne on the bare branches from early March and into April, with the bright green, oval leaves following close behind, a lovely foil to the blossom. Lovely with daffodils and blue spring bulbs. Prune the branches back to a pair of healthy buds after flowering to keep the shrub neat and to promote prolific flowering. As it responds well to trimming, Forsythia Spectabilis can be used as an informal hedge; it can also be grown against a wall.

Site: Tolerates inland exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil, preferably moist
Position: Full sun or light shade
Season of interest: Spring
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 10 (3m) Spread: 6 (1.8m) after 5-10 years