Two-row Abeliophyllum (White Forsythia)

Two-row Abeliophyllum (White forsythia) (Abeliophyllum distichum)

Family Oleaceae. Native range - Korea. Zone: 5-8.

An open, broad deciduous shrub 1.5 cm high and wide. Leaves opposite, oval, dark green, 8 cm long, becoming partly purple beneath in summer. Racemes in the leaf axils bear fragrant small cruciform, 4-petaled, white, sometimes pale-pink flowers, with a light-purple calyx. Flowers in late spring. There is a pink-flowered form - Abeliophyllum distichum Roseum.

A light-loving plant, demanding in soil fertility. Easily transplanted, adapts to soils of any texture and pH, but good drainage is necessary. Requires a sheltered location. Frequent rejuvenation pruning after flowering is necessary, since the plant flowers on last year’s shoots. The plant is pruned by about one-third annually and "to the stump" every 3-5 years.

Grown primarily for its very early, abundant and fragrant flowering. Sweet-scented flowers cover the bare stems even before the leaves appear. Best planted in groups, but not in the most prominent part of the garden, since after flowering the plant does not have much ornamental value. Shows to better effect against a dark background.