Forsythia × intermedia 'Spectabilis'
Showy Border Forsythia

Forsythia × intermedia ′Spectabilis′ - Bark and Buds

Family:

Oleaceae (Olive Family) 44

Genus:

Forsythia (Forsythia Border Forsythia) 7

Plant Type:

Shrub 462

Growth Forms:

Bushy 162

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 489

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 794

Flower Notes:

Yellow (Showy, 4-petaled, bright yellow flowers (1.5" across) in early to mid spring)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Dark green summer foliage); Yellow (Generally poor yellow-green to purple tinged in the fall)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Capsule; not ornamentally important)

Ultimate Height:

10 feet

Ultimate Spread:

10 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Quite adaptable to soil type

Range:

Cultivated origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves (3-4.5" long by 1.5-2.25" wide) are opposite, simple, and entire near base and toothed near tip. Flowers form in leaf axils. Multiple buds at nodes. Four-sided, greenish-brown stems having chambered pith and solid pith at nodes (Forsythia suspensa has hollow internodes).

Special Characteristics:

Flowering Characteristics 353

Pollution Tolerant 217

Additional Information

'Spectabilis' is a well-known and high quality Forsythia variant that has been around for many years. It is a very vigorous grower and prolific bloomer with bright yellow flowers that smother the branches early in the spring. 'Spectabilis' flower buds have better cold hardiness than many cultivars, but flower buds can be killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Too big for most foundations and small border plantings (Don't Shear!). Remove old wood for best appearance.