Plant Library

Other Names:  Border Forsythia, Goldenbells

Description:

A popular low growing groundcover shrub, an unusual application for a Forsythia, yellow flowers are not as prolific as on other varieties but still ornamental; spreads vigorously, makes an excellent quick groundcover

Ornamental Features

Arnold Dwarf Forsythia is smothered in stunning yellow bell-shaped flowers along the branches in early spring before the leaves. It has forest green deciduous foliage. The serrated pointy leaves do not develop any appreciable fall colour.

Landscape Attributes

Arnold Dwarf Forsythia is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering

Arnold Dwarf Forsythia is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Arnold Dwarf Forsythia will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It has a low canopy. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.

Arnold Dwarf Forsythia makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its spreading habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.