Forsythia viridissima (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 3m
Eventual Spread: 3m
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Oleaceae
Forsythia viridissima is a deciduous spring flowering shrub with an upright habit. Its mid green leaves are lanceolate with serrate margins, up to 15cm long and 4cm wide. The yellow, four lobed flowers are located singularly in the leaf axils, are up to 25mm long and appear before the leaves. Its fruit is a dry, ovoid capsule, contain winged seeds and appear in late summer. Its branches may root where they touch the ground.
Forsythia viridissima, commonly known as the Green Stemmed Forsythia, is native to east China. In its native habitat it grows woodland margins.
The etymological root of the binomial name Forsythia is named after William Forsyth (1737-1804), the superintendent of the Royal Gardens in Kensington and St. James Palace and founder member of the RHS. Viridissima is derived from the Latin viridis meaning ‘green’.
Forsythia viridissima Flower (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Forsythia viridissima useful as a spring flowering shrub. This shrub is not attractive to deer.
Ecologically, Forsythia viridissima flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Forsythia viridissima prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Forsythia viridissima requires little maintenance. If required, pruning should be carried out after flowering.
