Early Forsythia (Forsythia ovata)

Early forsythia is a vibrant early-spring flowering shrub, known for its brilliant yellow blossoms that cover its arching branches before leaves appear. Hardy and deciduous, this bush thrives in a variety of conditions, preferring full sun to partial shade. Early forsythia’s medium-green foliage turns a deep purplish color in autumn, offering year-round visual interest. Its resistance to cold makes it an enduring garden favorite.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

Forsythia ovata (Korean: 만리화 man li hwa), the Korean forsythia or early forsythia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Oleaceae, native to the Korean Peninsula.

Blooming earlier than most forsythias, Forsythia ovata (Korean Forsythia) is a compact, bushy, deciduous shrub with a dense, erect habit and slightly arching branches. In late winter to early spring, they boast a profusion of small pale yellow flowers, about half the size of those of Forsythia x intermedia (Border Forsythia). They open on the naked branches from flower buds noted for their excellent hardiness. The ovate, dark green leaves usually have serrate margins. Korean Forsythia is extremely adaptable, tolerating most soils.

Early forsythia is deer resistant, and hardy to −50 °F (−46 °C); USDA Hardiness zone 2a.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Early forsythia grows mainly along roads, on hillsides, and at the edge of forests. It likes light and tolerates partial-shade. Thus, good results can be achieved when planted in the garden, by a fence, on corners of grass patches, in rock gardens, on south-facing slopes, alongs lakes, or as hedges.

Temperature

Early forsythia likes a cool, slightly humid environment. The optimum temperature is 13 to 21 ℃, and it’s quite hardy in temperatures as low as -29 ℃. In low temperatures, it may not bloom well, and a sudden drop in temperature can damage it. Early forsythia has strong drought resistance, but don’t tolerate waterlogging. Choose planting sites that have well-drained sandy loam or loam.

Watering

Early forsythia thrives in well-drained soil, mirroring its origins where it experiences moderate rainfall. This species is drought-tolerant once established and prefers a balance between moisture and dry periods. Regular watering should occur once every 1-2 weeks to maintain optimal health. Early forsythia is predominantly an outdoor plant, flourishing in temperate climates where its deciduous nature allows for seasonal water conservation through leaf drop.

Soil

Early forsythia does not have strict soil requirements. It is adaptable to sandy loam or loam that has good drainage.

Fertilizing

Before planting, apply organic base fertilizer, such as fermented barnyard manure, animal manure, compost, etc. At the end of the first fall, apply organic fertilizer with water. During the second year, apply fertilizer rich in nitrogen after flowering. Apply phosphorus potassium compound fertilizer in summer when flowers bud, and organic fertilizer again at the end of fall.

Planting Instructions

Plant in early spring after the soil has thawed, preferably sooner than later. Choose a planting site of sandy loam or loam that has sufficient sunshine, moisture, and is fertile ground. Plant trees 91 cm apart, and plant rows 1.8 m apart.

During the first winter, when the temperature is above 0 ℃ during the day but below 0 ℃ at night, soak the ground with water. The freezing process will give out heat and prevent frostbite damage to the young roots. Likewise, apply water in early spring when ice begins to melt during the day.

Pruning

After buds flower in spring, cut off short branches. After leaves fall in fall, thin the branches.

• Prune after planting

Cut off all the branches from the root neck (that part of the root system from which the trunk arises) onwards. When the regenerated shoots grow to more than 20 cm, choose 3-5 suitably angled and vigorously growing branches to cultivate as the main branch, and remove the remaining sprouts. Leave 3-4 side branches on each main branch to form a canopy.

• Prune after flowering

The upright varieties are characterized by the lateral branches extending upward. Their lower branches can be cut off to cultivate a standard tree shape. If you plant weeping varieties in a row, they can be pruned into a hedge after reaching a certain height and width, or trimmed into single bushes after flowering.

• Winter pruning

To thin after leaf fall or before germination in early spring, retain 1-3 main branches while cutting off the rest. At the same time, prune weak, old, or crowded branches. Appropriate trimming lets new, strong branches grow out next year. Remove top shoots from the growing branches to control their growth, draw new shoots out, and form flower buds.

Propagation

Hardwood cuttings propagation can be carried out from fall to winter after leaf fall; softwood cuttings can be carried out during the growing season.

For softwood cutting, use strong, semi-woody shoots grown in the current year. Aim for cuttings 6 to 8 cm in length, with 2-4 pairs of buds and 1-2 leaves on the upper end. Cut off all the lower leaves. Cut evenly at the top, about 8 mm from the first bud. The lower cut should bevel against the basal bud.

Division can be carried out before flowering in the early spring when the new plant has 2-3 branches. When dividing the plant, cut the branches short and apply paint to the cut to prevent loss of water. If the plant has a lot of roots, don’t cut them. The new plant can bloom in the spring of the same year.

Pests and Diseases

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spot, crown gall and dieback. Watch for spider mites, aphids, four-lined plant bug, Japanese weevil and northern root-knot nematodes.

III. Uses and Benefits 

Early forsythia is perfect as a specimen plant, for foundations or hedges, in mixed borders, on banks or slopes. Great for cottage gardens.