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Forsythia Spectabilis
  • Forsythia Spectabilis
  • Forsythia Spectabilis
  • Forsythia Spectabilis

Forsythia Spectabilis - Forsythia intermedia Spectabilis

Forsythia intermedia Spectabilis

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Border forsythia ‘Spectabilis’ (Forsythia × intermedia 'Spectabilis') is a vigorous and free-flowering selection, renowned for its spectacular burst of golden yellow flowers that appear before the foliage, from late winter.

Description

Height at maturity 2 - 2,50 m
Spread at maturity 2 m
Exposure Sun, partial shade
Flowering period March - April
Hardiness -25°C
Origin China - Japan

Forsythia × intermedia - Border forsythia ‘Spectabilis’ 

(deciduous ornamental shrub with spectacular spring flowering)

Origin and character  istics

'Spectabilis' is a cultivar from the hybrid Forsythia suspensa × Forsythia viridissima, selected for its abundant flowering, dense habit, and excellent hardiness.

Belonging to the Olive family (Oleaceae), it is a staple choice for informal hedges, ornamental borders, and cottage-style gardens.

Description and features

  • Mature height: 2 to 3 metres
  • Spread: 2 to 2.5 metres
  • Habit: Upright, flexible with slightly arching branches
  • Foliage: Deciduous, medium to dark green, sometimes with attractive autumn colours
  • Flowering: Very abundant, from March to April
  • Flowers: Deep golden-yellow, star-shaped bells, borne directly on bare stems
  • Hardiness: Excellent (down to -20/-25 °C)

Position and soil

  • Position: Full sun (best for maximum flowering) or light partial shade
  • Soil: All fertile, fresh but well-drained soils
  • Tolerances: Withstands pollution, calcareous soils, and urban conditions

Planting

  • Best time: Autumn (preferably) or spring
  • Spacing: 1.5 to 2 metres apart for an airy hedge
  • Preparation: Add compost when planting to encourage establishment

Watering

  • After planting: Water regularly during the first year
  • Later: Very tolerant of moderate drought; water only during prolonged heatwaves

Pruning

  • When?: Immediately after flowering (April-May)
  • How?:
    • Remove 1/3 of the oldest stems at the base each year to rejuvenate
    • Shorten young shoots by one third to maintain shape and abundant blooms
  • Tip: Avoid pruning in late summer or autumn, as this removes next year’s flower buds.

Propagation

  • By cuttings: Semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
  • By layering: Easy, by bending a low branch to the ground

Garden uses

The Border forsythia 'Spectabilis' is perfect for:

  • Informal flowering hedges (alone or combined with Spiraea, Deutzia, Weigela)
  • Shrub borders in the foreground for its spring brilliance
  • Specimen planting as a bright focal point
  • Large containers for terrace or balcony

Pest and disease resistance

  • Very robust: Resistant to most pests and diseases under normal conditions
  • Watch for: Aphids in spring; treat naturally if necessary

Growing tips

  • Plant in full sun for the most spectacular display
  • Prune regularly to prevent overcrowding and stimulate new growth
  • Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils
  • Feed lightly in early spring with compost or organic fertiliser

Forsythia × intermedia 'Spectabilis' is a radiant shrub that awakens the garden at the end of winter. Its easy care, vigour, and dazzling flowers make it a reliable choice for any garden style: cottage, urban, or natural.

Features

  • Common name : Forsythia Spectabilis
  • Family : Oleaceae
  • Category : shrub
  • Spread : 2 m
  • Foliage : deciduous
  • Color of flowers : yellow
  • Use : isolated - shrubbery - flowering hedge
  • Soil : all - well drained - fresh - not very fertile
  • Habit : bushy
  • Earth to use : universal potting soil/garden soil/compost
  • Enemies : nothing to report
  • Possible diseases : root rot - gall

Shipping & delivery

How does the delivery work?

  • Step 1 As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
  • Step 2 Each order is processed individually.
  • Step 3 Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
  • Step 4 Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
  • Step 5 Packages are ready to be shipped.

Our delivery methods

We ship our plants throughout Europe (excluding overseas territories and islands).

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