Early April Featured
Plant
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Abelliophyllum
distichum
White Forsythia
White Forsythia showing snowy white flowers, each with a yellow
eye |
This deciduous shrub is not a type of forsythia in spite of the
common name. Reaching a height of 4 to 6 feet, Abeliophyllum
distichum begins to flower slightly earlier than forsythia.
The flowers are pure white with a yellow eye, and show up well
with a darker background. After flowering, the shrub fades into
the background with no particular ornamental characteristics at
other seasons. Pruning must be done regularly to prevent a straggly
tangle. Either cut the oldest one third of the branches down to
the base of the plant annually, or cut the entire plant down nearly
to the ground every 3 to 5 years. Either way, pruning should be
done after flowering.
White Forsythia can be easily grown in full sun to very light shade,
prefers well-drained soil and reasonable moisture. While listed
as hardy in zones 5-8, flower buds can be injured in very cold winters.
Although white is the common flower color, there is a lovely pink
form, Abeliophyllum distichum 'Rosea', available as well.
On campus, look for White Forsythia above the stone wall, at the
entrance to the Willits-Hallowell Center.
Abeliophyllum
distichum
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