Deciduous shrubs

Abeliophyllum

Synonyms: white forsythia, snow forsythia.

Абелиолистник (лат. Abeliophýllum) — a genus of flowering dicotyledonous plants in the olive family (Oleaceae). It includes only one species – Абелиолистник двурядный (Abeliophyllum dístichum). The genus name Abeliophyllum was first used by the botanist Nakai from Japan in 1919. It comes from the name of another genus – Abeliа and an ancient Greek word that translates as «leaf». Because the plants have similar leaves. Endemic to Korea. Widely cultivated in Europe and North America. In the wild it is on the verge of extinction.

Абелиолистник двурядный is a deciduous, fast-growing shrub 1,5 m in height and width. Leaves opposite, simple, oval in shape, up to 8 cm long, dark green, becoming partially purple underneath in summer.

Flowers on last year's shoots. Racemes are located in the leaf axils, appearing long before the leaves open. Flowers are fragrant, small, up to 1 cm in diameter, 4-petaled, white, sometimes pale pink, self-incompatible. The calyx is divided into 4 rounded sepals. The corolla is formed from 4 overlapping petals. There are two stamens. Ovary two-chambered. Blooms in March-April.

Fruits are spherical winged samaras with two seeds.

Chromosome number 2n = 28

Hardiness zone: 5-8

Form: there is also a pink-flowered form of forsythia - Abeliophyllum distichum Roseum

Location: prefers sunny, sheltered sites but can tolerate light partial shade. Not demanding about soil, but grows better on fertile, well-drained soils. Soil pH neutral, prefers loamy or sandy loam soils. Can tolerate short periods of drought.

Planting: best carried out in autumn. Soil mix: humus, leaf mould and sand in ratio 1:1:2. Dig a hole 60х60 cm and 70-80 cm deep. Distance between plants at least 2-3 m. Fill a quarter of the hole with a drainage layer – crushed brick or gravel.

Pruning: needs coppice pruning every 3-4 years. Annually by 13 cm.

Care: in late autumn it is recommended to mulch under the crown with straw or leaves. Flexible drooping branches should be bent to the ground, fixed and covered with conifer boughs. In early spring remove the mulching layer and apply under the crown (but not close to the stem bases) a layer of well-rotted compost or manure 5-7 cm thick. Mineral fertilizer can also be applied at 70-80 g per 1 sq.m.

Diseases and pests: none identified

Propagation: with green or hardwood cuttings or by layering in summer. Cuttings should be taken in early June, kept in a solution

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