shrub

Forsythia

Forsythia intermedia 'Mindor'

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Garden origin (hybrid)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Forsythia x intermedia is a classic spring-blooming deciduous shrub, famous for its explosive display of bright yellow flowers that appear on bare stems before the leaves emerge. It is fast-growing and very tough. 'Mindor' (marketed as Show Off Sugar Baby) is a compact, dwarf variety that is perfect for small spaces. Unlike older, rangy varieties, it produces flowers from the base to the tips of the stems for a fuller, more dramatic floral display.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular and reliable burst of bright yellow color in early spring, signaling the end of winter. Its compact size makes it incredibly versatile for any garden, from small urban plots to large borders.

This dwarf variety requires little to no pruning to maintain its neat, mounded shape, making it a low-maintenance choice for foundation plantings, low borders, or mass plantings. It is also excellent for forcing branches indoors.

As one of the earliest shrubs to bloom, forsythia provides a vital early-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Forsythia is adaptable to most soils but prefers good drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the plant's container.
Place the shrub in the hole, backfill, and water thoroughly.
Water regularly during the first year to establish.
Prune after flowering by removing a few of the oldest stems at the base.

Pro Tip

Prune right after flowering has finished. Pruning later in the season or in winter will remove the flower buds for next spring.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun for maximum flowering.
Prune immediately after the flowers fade to maintain size and shape.
Water during extended dry periods.
Force branches indoors in late winter for an early spring bouquet.

Don't

Don't prune in late summer, fall, or winter.
Don't plant in deep shade, as it will not bloom well.
Avoid shearing into a formal shape; it looks best with a natural form.
Don't over-fertilize, which can lead to weak growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Compact burst of spring colorLow border or foundation plantingCheery addition to container gardens

Companion Plants

Tulipa species Narcissus species Muscari armeniacum Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon' Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Forsythia questions

What zones can Forsythia grow in?

Forsythia is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Forsythia deer resistant?

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

When does Forsythia bloom?

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 Forsythia need full sun?

Forsythia does best in full sun (6+ hours).