FORSYTHIA INT. SPECTABILIS

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Forsythia × intermedia ‘Spectabilis’

• Common Name: Forsythia ‘Spectabilis’

• Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental shrub

• Origin: Hybrid of Forsythia suspensa and Forsythia viridissima, bred for exceptional flowering performance.

• Growth Habit: Upright and arching, typically growing to 2.5–3 metres in height with a spread of 2–3 metres, forming a dense bush.

• Foliage: Medium green, lanceolate leaves that emerge after flowering and stay fresh until autumn.

• Flowers: Large, vivid golden-yellow blooms appear in abundance along bare stems from March to April, creating a spectacular early spring display.

• Seasonal Interest: One of the first shrubs to flower in the year, brightening gardens after winter; lush green foliage follows and provides summer structure.

• Garden Uses: Ideal for mixed borders, screening, informal hedging, and as a standalone feature shrub.

• Wildlife Benefits: Provides an important early nectar source for bees and pollinating insects.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK and Ireland.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Performs best in full sun to ensure maximum flower production; will tolerate light shade but with reduced bloom quantity.

• Soil Preferences: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, including loam, sandy, and clay, provided they are well-drained.

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5–7.5).

• Moisture Needs: Prefers moist but free-draining conditions; avoid sites that are waterlogged for extended periods.

• Planting Time: Best planted in autumn or early spring while dormant, although container-grown plants can be planted year-round in suitable weather.

• Spacing: Allow 2–3 metres between plants for individual display; plant closer (around 1–1.5 metres apart) for hedge effect.

• Shelter Needs: Thrives in both sheltered and open positions; withstands moderate wind exposure.

• Companion Planting: Complements spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips, and pairs well with flowering cherries or magnolias for a seasonal colour combination.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large containers if kept well-watered and pruned to shape.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots.

  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry spells.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser in early spring before flowering to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms.

• Pruning:

  • Prune immediately after flowering; cut back flowering shoots to healthy buds lower down the stems.

  • Remove up to one-third of the oldest stems at ground level to maintain vigour and encourage new flowering wood.

• Mulching: Add a 5 cm mulch layer of compost or well-rotted manure around the base in spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure. Keep mulch away from the main stems.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest- and disease-free; may occasionally attract aphids but these are rarely a serious problem.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy and needs no winter protection.

• Weed Control: Keep the base weed-free, particularly in the first couple of years, to reduce competition for moisture and nutrients.

• Longevity: With proper care and pruning, Forsythia ‘Spectabilis’ will remain a garden highlight for decades, delivering reliable early spring colour year after year.

• Size
  30-40

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.