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Description
Forsythia Japonica, commonly known as Korean Forsythia, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family. It is native to Korea and China and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. This plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide and has a rounded, spreading growth habit. It produces bright yellow flowers in early spring, which are followed by dark green leaves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Forsythia |
| Species | Japonica |
Appearance
Forsythia Japonica has a rounded, spreading growth habit with arching branches. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The leaves are dark green, ovate in shape, and serrated on the edges. The flowers are bright yellow with four petals and appear in early spring before the leaves. The fruit is a small, brown capsule that contains many seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Forsythia Japonica requires regular watering, especially during the first year of growth. It prefers moist but well-drained soil.Fertilization: Fertilize Forsythia Japonica in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall.Soil: Forsythia Japonica prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but does best in slightly acidic soil.Sunlight: Forsythia Japonica prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will produce fewer flowers.Hardiness Zones: Forsythia Japonica is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Forsythia Japonica is relatively pest and disease-free but may be susceptible to the following:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.Diseases: Leaf spot, powdery mildew, and canker.
Habitat
Forsythia Japonica is native to Korea and China and is commonly found in gardens and landscapes. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Question and Answer
Q: When should I prune Forsythia Japonica?
A: Prune Forsythia Japonica immediately after flowering in the spring.Q: Can Forsythia Japonica tolerate drought?
A: No, Forsythia Japonica requires regular watering and does not tolerate drought well.Q: How often should I fertilize Forsythia Japonica?
A: Fertilize Forsythia Japonica once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Does Forsythia Japonica produce fruit?
A: Yes, Forsythia Japonica produces small, brown capsules that contain many seeds.
Related Plants
- Forsythia Suspensa
- Forsythia X Intermedia
- Forsythia Europaea
References
- “Forsythia Japonica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a647.
- “Forsythia Japonica.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2027/korean-forsythia/.
- “Forsythia Japonica (Korean Forsythia).” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/forsythia-japonica-korean-forsythia.
