Forsythia x intermedia Golden Bell, Border Forsythia PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Forsythia x intermedia is an artificial hybrid. The hybrid formula of this artificial cross is F. suspensa × F. viridissima. Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Vase, Weeping.

Physical Characteristics

Forsythia x intermedia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from March to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Hedge Hedge

Can be grown as a tall hedge, the var. 'Lynwood' is frequently used[29]. Var. 'Spectabilis' also makes a good hedge[200] as does 'Beatrix Farrand'[188]. Landscape Uses: Border, Erosion control, Espalier, Pest tolerant, Hedge, Massing, Screen, Specimen.

Special Uses

Hedge Hedge Food Forest Espalier

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in a well-drained ordinary garden soil but prefers a rich soil[1]. Succeeds in limy soils[11]. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in semi shade[200]. Plants are tolerant of deep shade[219]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are several named varieties. Any pruning out of weak shoots, plus any trimming of hedges, is best done after the plant has flowered[188]. Birds may destroy the flower buds in cold areas[200]. This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. Special Features: Not a North American native. Blooms are very showy. In garden design, as well as in the above-ground architecture of a plant, root-structure considerations help choose plants that work together to meet their optimal soil requirements, including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root [2-1]. Forsythia x intermedia is an artificial hybrid. The hybrid formula of this artificial cross is F. suspensa × F. viridissima.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates within 2 months[K]. 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, July/August in a frame. Plant out in autumn or spring. A very high percentage, they root within 3 weeks[78]. Cuttings of mature wood in a sheltered outdoor bed. Good percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

This is an artificial hybrid.

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Forsythia suspensa	Lian Qiao, Weeping forsythia	Shrub	5.0	5-8	M	LMH	FSN	M	1	3	3
Forsythia viridissima	Golden Bells, Greenstem forsythia, Forsythia	Shrub	2.5	5-8	S	LMH	FSN	M	0	2	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

Zabel.

Botanical References

11200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment


Guy Gagnon	Tue Jul 15 2008

When growing forsythia from a green cutting what is the proper procedure? I usually cut it on a bias, pull off two rows of leaves and cover the wounds in root hormone. I have never shortened the cutting which are two to three feet long. I have only had moderate success with this approach. Any suggestions?

Forsythia x intermedia - Zabel.