White Forsythia

The White Forsythia is scientifically known as Abeliophyllum distichum. This species belongs to the olive family, the oleaceae, like the genus forsythia. It is therefore very closely related to the popular yellow blooming forsythia bush species.

Abeliophyllum distichum is endemic to Korea where it grows mainly on open slopes.

It is one of numerous very rare flowers in the wild and is critically endangered.

Yet, it is infrequently used as an ornamental plant, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, and has a growing demand amongst gardeners.

It really is a very pretty delicate shrub that has white to light-lilac coloured flowers. This really makes it stand out from the very popular yellow blooming forsythias although the four-lobed flowers look very much alike apart from the colour.

The flowers also have an intense, honeysweet fragrance of almonds! The blooming period is in spring before the foliage develops. Do not forget to prune them after flowering. This will rejuvenate the plants and promote abundant flowering the coming spring season.

Tip: The white flowers of Abeliophyllum come very well into one's eyes when planted together with spring flowers that have contrasting, bright colours like a field of blue Grape Hyacinths, red Tulip Flowers or other spring flowers that flower at the same time of the year: like e.g. Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa luciliae), yellow Daffodil Flowers, Hyacinth Flowers, Pansy Flowers, Primrose Flowers and Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica).

It is a medium-sized, slow-growing, deciduous bush that grows up to 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 7 feet) in height and spreads thinly about 1.5 metres (5 feet). The bushes can be planted as individuals or in groups. They also make good container plants.

Abeliophyllum is very easy to grow and does not demand much care. It grows preferably in the full sun. Any ordinary garden soil is accepted as long as the water drains off easily (the do not like to have wet feet!).

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