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Forsythia ‘Meadowlark’

Meadowlark Forsythia

Forsythia Meadowlark

Forsythia ‘Meadowlark’ stands out as a cold-hardy cultivar that flourishes even in challenging northern climates. Native to the United States, it was a result of hybridization efforts between the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and the North Dakota State University. Exhibiting a dazzling display of bright yellow blooms in early spring, ‘Meadowlark’ heralds the end of winter, stretching across arching branches that can span up to 8-10 feet (240-300 cm) in both height and width.

The vibrant flowers contrast beautifully with its dark green serrated leaves, which emerge post bloom. Not only is it prized for its resistance to winter dieback, but ‘Meadowlark’ is also celebrated for its adaptability to various soil types.

Ideal for hedges, screens, or as a standalone specimen, this forsythia variety is a preferred choice for gardeners seeking an assurance of springtime brilliance, even in regions with harsh winters.

  • Grows up to 8-10 feet tall (240-300 cm) and 6-10 feet wide (180-300 cm).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moist but well-drained soils. Best flower production is obtained in full sun. Some drought tolerance once established.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant, for foundations or hedges, in mixed borders, on banks or slopes. Great for cottage gardens.
  • Low maintenance, this plant is deer-resistant and relatively trouble-free.
  • Pests and Diseases: Forsythia is seldom troubled by pests. However, it may be affected by aphids, spider mites, four-lined plant bugs, or Japanese weevils. Forsythia is susceptible to leaf spot, twig blight, and crown gall.
  • Prune after flowering to maintain good form.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.

Forsythia: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for Forsythia like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Forsythia
Common names Forsythia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid),
Height 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spacing 72" - 120" (180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Forsythia koreana Flying Machine®
Forsythia ‘Fiesta’
Forsythia ‘Northern Gold’
Forsythia x intermedia Show Off®
Forsythia x intermedia Show Off Starlet®
Forsythia koreana ‘Kumson’

Recommended Companion Plants

Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)
Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Narcissi (Daffodils)
Tulips
Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Bloom In Winter
Choosing Your Ideal Hedge: A Guide to Top Shrubs for Any Garden
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
Forsythia: What Is Wrong With My Shrub?
Forsythia: Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
How to Force Forsythia Flowers In Easy Steps
Forsythia: How to Grow and Care with Success
Forsythia
Pretty Flowers for your Winter Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Forsythia
Common names Forsythia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid),
Height 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spacing 72" - 120" (180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Forsythia
Not sure which Forsythia to pick?
Compare Now

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