Forsythia  'Meadowlark'
shrub

Meadowlark Forsythia

Forsythia 'Meadowlark'

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid of Asian species

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Forsythia is a genus of deciduous flowering shrubs known for their profusion of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring before the leaves. They are fast-growing and have an upright, arching habit. 'Meadowlark' is a hybrid developed for its exceptional flower bud hardiness, reliably blooming even after harsh winters in northern climates. It has a vigorous, arching habit.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesUnmatched early spring color, providing a cheerful burst of yellow after winter. Its graceful, arching form is attractive year-round.
Practical UsesExcellent for creating fast-growing privacy screens or informal hedges. Its dense root system helps with erosion control on banks and slopes.
Ecological BenefitsProvides an early nectar source for bees and other emerging pollinators when few other plants are in bloom.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
  2. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
  3. Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil.
  4. Backfill with native soil, firming gently around the roots.
  5. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
  6. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

Prune right after flowering ends; pruning later in the season will remove next year's flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Prune immediately after flowering for shaping.
  • Water deeply during prolonged dry spells.
  • Allow its natural arching habit to develop.

Don't

  • Don't prune into a tight, formal shape.
  • Don't prune in late summer or fall.
  • Don't plant in poorly drained, boggy soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant early spring accentInformal hedge or screenMass planting on slopes

Companion Plants

Tulipa Narcissus Spiraea thunbergii Chaenomeles speciosa Muscari armeniacum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Meadowlark Forsythia questions

What zones can Meadowlark Forsythia grow in?

Meadowlark Forsythia is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Meadowlark Forsythia deer resistant?

Yes — Meadowlark Forsythia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Meadowlark Forsythia bloom?

Meadowlark Forsythia typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Meadowlark Forsythia need full sun?

Meadowlark Forsythia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Meadowlark Forsythia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Meadowlark Forsythia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Meadowlark Forsythia with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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