White Forsythia - Abeliophyllum distichum

Other common names: Korean abelialeaf

Size (HXW): 5 Ft X 5 Ft

USDA Hardiness zones: 5-9

Sun requirement: Full sun but will tolerate part shade

Water requirement: Medium, this plant will need more water than the average plant for a desert garden landscape but can survive in the environment.

Plant description: The white forsythia is a deciduous shrub with a moderate growth habit. It's native to a tiny area in central Korea. The Abeliophyllum distichum is actually a member of the olive family. Purplish buds all along the branches open to small, white, almond-scented flowers with tiny yellow stamens. Once it's flowered the glossy green leaves appear.

Similar suggested plants: star jasmine, hibiscus

Bloom period: Spring, white, fragrant flowers

Planting and growing information: The white forsythia isn't picky when it comes to soil conditions but it doesn't like the soil to be completely dried out. In frost it's best to protect this plant or prune well after last frost. You can remove up to a third of this plant every late winter.

Photos:



White forsythia in bloom. Shortly after the flowers die off glossy green leaves appear.