shrub

Spring Fling Forsythia

Forsythia 'Spring Fling'

The Story

Plant Bio

Forsythia are deciduous shrubs renowned for their brilliant yellow flowers that bloom profusely on bare stems in early spring, providing a welcome burst of color.

'Spring Fling' is a modern cultivar from the University of Minnesota, selected for its exceptional flower bud hardiness, ensuring a reliable and spectacular bloom even after cold Zone 4 winters. It has an elegant, arching habit.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers a guaranteed and spectacular floral display in early spring, even in regions with harsh winters. Its graceful, arching form is attractive year-round.

Ideal for creating hedges and borders in northern climates where other forsythia cultivars may suffer from winter dieback and poor flowering.

The early blooms provide a vital nectar source for bees and other pollinators that emerge on the first warm days of spring.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub, 20-30 years

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Place the plant so its crown is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture.
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth for next year's blooms.

Pro Tip

Plant this cultivar in colder climates where other forsythias fail to bloom reliably due to winter bud kill.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best flower display.
Prune after blooming by removing a few of the oldest canes at the base.
Appreciate its reliable bloom in cold climates.

Don't

Don't prune in the fall or winter, as this removes flower buds.
Avoid planting in poorly drained, wet soil.
Don't shear into a formal shape; allow its natural arching habit.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Reliable cold-climate spring bloomerGraceful informal hedgeMixed shrub border foundation

Companion Plants

Puschkinia scilloides Hyacinthus orientalis Magnolia stellata Salix caprea Vinca minor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spring Fling Forsythia questions

What zones can Spring Fling Forsythia grow in?

Spring Fling 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 Spring Fling Forsythia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Spring Fling Forsythia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Spring Fling Forsythia bloom?

Spring Fling 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 Spring Fling Forsythia need full sun?

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

Is Spring Fling Forsythia drought tolerant?

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