Plant Hardy Forsythias
by Don Janssen, Extension Educator
The forsythias were spectacular the spring of 2003. Many of the shrubs were completely covered with bright, yellow flowers. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many of the forsythia varieties that have been widely planted in past years, such as 'Lynwood Gold' and 'Spring Glory', don't reliably bloom. (They usually bloom well once every 4 to 5 years.) Their flower buds are killed by low winter temperatures. These varieties bloomed well this spring because of the relatively mild winter. Home gardeners wishing to plant forsythia should choose varieties that possess excellent flower bud hardiness. These hardy varieties should bloom reliably each spring.
An excellent forsythia is 'Sunrise'. 'Sunrise' is an introduction that has bloomed well after temperatures of -20 degrees F. It is a semi-spreading, compact shrub with a mature height of 5 feet and a similar spread. The leaves are medium green. In cool, dry fall weather the leaves may develop a purplish cast. Young stems have 4 longitudinal ridges which give them the appearance of being square. While the bright yellow flowers are relatively small, the large number of blossoms per branch results in a mass of color. The compact habit of 'Sunrise' makes it ideal for small hedges or specimen plants.
Another hardy forsythia is 'Meadowlark'. Jointly introduced by North Dakota State and South Dakota State Universities, in collaboration with the Arnold Arboretum, 'Meadowlark' has consistently bloomed in both states. Flower buds have successfully survived temperatures of -35 degrees F. Flowers are a bright yellow. A vigorous, rapidly growing shrub, it reaches 6 1/2 to 9 feet in height. 'Meadowlark' has dark green leaves. Under favorable conditions, the leaves often change to a golden yellow in the fall.
'Northern Sun' is an introduction of the University of Minnesota. Grown at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen, 'Northern Sun' has bloomed when temperatures dropped to -30 degrees F. The clear yellow flowers cover the plant in early spring. Foliage is a medium green. The vigorous shrub reaches a height and spread of 8 to 10 feet. Because of its large size, 'Northern Sun' is best suited for a tall hedge or screen. Other hardy forsythia varieties include 'Northern Gold', 'New Hampshire Gold', and 'Vermont Gold'.
These hardy varieties are available at many garden centers and mail order companies.
(This resource was added May 2003 and appeared in the Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper Sunday edition. For information on reproducing this article or using any photographs or graphics, read the Terms of Use statement)
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