Meadowlark Forsythia

No matter where you live in the country, the outstanding Meadowlark Forsythia (Forsythia x 'Meadowlark') will perform beautifully for you. That includes the frigid Zones 3 - 5, where late frosts can wreck spring blooms.

This variety is a hybrid of the Forsythia ovata, which is also known as the Early Forsythia, Forsythia europaea or Albanian Forsythia. You’ll love the cold-hardiness of its flower buds and its blooming ability when exposed to temperatures that are below zero.

It was developed in North Dakota, so you know it will reliably bloom year after year. You’ll enjoy the bright yellow blooms in early spring, no matter what Mother Nature throws at your garden. Even the flower buds are hardy to Zone 3, unlike other Forsythia varieties which can be damaged at -5 degrees.

But, milder climate gardeners should also take a good look at the Meadowlark. It performs well wherever other Forsythia varieties thrive.

And you’ll love the compact, lush foliage all the way to the ground. Meadowlark never gets “leggy”, nor has bare stems peeking out at the base of the plant.

This fast-growing deciduous shrub produces brilliant display of yellow flowers in the very early spring. Each arching branches is covered from top to bottom. The entire plant resembles a beautiful fountain, dripping with glowing color.

There is nothing more welcome than these wonderful shrubs. Forsythia is a true harbinger of spring, blooming far earlier than other shrubs.

Another nice feature is that the summer leaves of the Meadowlark Forsythia are also improved and will not fade in the heat of the summer. You’ll love the shape of this pretty plant, and the lush green foliage.

This beautiful plant grows best in full sun and is adaptable to soil types. It is a fast grower and can be pruned to any desired size.

Order your Meadowlark Forsythia from the expert growers at Nature Hills today! You’ll love seeing those spring blooms in your landscape, and so will all your neighbors.

How to Use Meadowlark Forsythia in the Landscape

Meadowlark Forsythia is a nice dense shrub and has a wide variety of usages in the landscape. It grows in full all the way down to the ground. It easily provides cover for wildlife and makes a great barrier or windbreak plant.

Use on the sunny side of tall evergreen trees to brighten up the look. Bring in additional soil and mound it up 18 inches high to plant in. You’ll want to give your new shrubs a fighting chance to establish themselves next to mature trees. Mulch all around the new shrubs to tie the look together and create a pretty garden bed.

Use a single, perfect specimen in the front lawn to dazzle passersby. You’ll boost your curb appeal in a jiffy. Add Daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs. You’ll create a fantastic Spring Garden focal point with minimal effort.

This variety is often found in commercial plantings where its low maintenance nature and lack of pest and disease problems are greatly appreciated. Meadowlark Forsythia also creates a very noteworthy natural landmark. Use in mass plantings near your front entrance to direct traffic and attention on your business.

Plant 5 feet apart on center to create a solid hedge, or screen. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next. Use a zig-zagging, staggered planting pattern to control erosion on slopes or banks. Mulch new mass plantings and keep them weeded until the Forsythia grow together.

They are a perfect foundation planting for a long side yard. Try repeating them along the length of your fence, or as a backdrop for a mixed shrub border.

The plant adapts well to city pollution and is often seen beside roadways. Imagine all the joy you’ll be responsible for if you choose to plant a long hedge of Meadowlark Forsythia where everyone can enjoy it.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Plant in full sun for the best flowering. Select a location with any type of well-drained soil, as long as it’s not saline. It performs best in alkaline soils with a pH of 5.5 to 8.0.

In late winter, cut a few budded branched from the center of the shrub and bring indoors. Keep them in tall vase with water changed daily. You’ll enjoy the age-old technique of “forcing” blooms indoors as the winter season winds down.

Prune after flowering in the spring. One of the best things you can do to rejuvenate your Forsythia is to remove several of the oldest, thickest canes down to the ground every few years once the plant is 5 years old. Prune the perimeters to keep the plant within bounds, if needed at that time.

You can also conduct a yearly hard prune on Meadowlark Forsythia to maintain plants in limited space. Cut to within a foot of the ground,and you’ll see abundant new growth from the crown.

Although Meadowlark is fairly drought tolerant once established, you should still plan to provide periodic supplemental water. This is especially important during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Give a good layer of mulch to keep the root systems cool and moist, especially in warm winter zones.

Add Meadowlark to your landscape this year. You’ll delight in it each spring. Our expert growers will pack and ship direct from the fields to your doorstep. How fun to see your lovely plant arrive in its sturdy box. Order today!