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ABELIOPHYLLUM distichum

Image of Abeliophyllum distichum

Mark A. Miller

Family

Oleaceae

Botanical Name

ABELIOPHYLLUM distichum

Plant Common Name

White Forsythia

General Description

What a pretty shrub for early spring! White forsythia is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub native to Korea. It has arching branches that put forth fragrant, four-petaled, white to faintly pink blooms in late winter to mid spring, prior to the emergence of its glossy, dark blue-green foliage.

A location with full to partial sun and moderately fertile soil is best for white forsythia. It makes a nice addition to a mixed shrub border or foundation plantings. Early in the season, before bloomtime, its stems can be cut and forced to bloom indoors as with true forsythia.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m (5)

  • Width

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m (5)

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Late Winter

  • Native To

    Korea

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Arching/Fountain-shaped

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Light Pink

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Blue Green, Light Yellow

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Corky

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes