Abeliophyllum spp.

white forsythia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 5–8

Overview

Abeliophyllum spp. is a genus in the olive family (Oleaceae) represented by a single species, A. distichum, the white forsythia or Korean abelialeaf. It is a deciduous shrub reaching 1–2 m (3–6.5 ft) tall and slightly wider, with slender, arching brown stems and opposite, oval leaves 6–10 cm (2.4–4 in) long. Before the leaves emerge in early spring, the bare stems carry dense clusters of small, four-lobed, fragrant flowers about 1 cm (0.4 in) across, white to pale pink with a yellow throat. Flat, winged, almost circular seed capsules 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) wide follow and persist into summer. The plant resembles forsythia in form and timing but bears white rather than yellow flowers and a sweet almond-like scent. Abeliophyllum spp. grows in full sun to light shade on well-drained soil and tolerates a range of soils, though early flowers are vulnerable to late frosts that brown the open blooms. It is endangered in its small native range in Korea while widely grown in gardens. Plants flower on the previous year wood.

Native Range

Abeliophyllum distichum is native to a small area of central Korea, where it grows on dry, rocky hillsides and thickets. It is rare and legally protected in the wild, though widely cultivated elsewhere.

Suggested Uses

Planted in shrub borders, on banks, and against walls for late-winter fragrance and early bloom. Grown near paths, doors, and seating where the early scent is noticed. Used as an informal low hedge or trained flat against a support.

How to Identify

Recognised in late winter and early spring by bare, arching stems lined with clusters of small, four-lobed, white to pink fragrant flowers, opening before the leaves. The opposite oval leaves and flat, rounded, winged seed capsules separate it from the yellow-flowered forsythias it otherwise resembles. Stems are slender and brown with raised lenticels.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 6'

Width/Spread3' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Winter Spring

Abeliophyllum spp. flowers in late winter to early spring, generally February to April depending on climate, on the previous season bare wood before the leaves expand. The bloom lasts two to three weeks and carries a sweet, almond-like scent. Late frosts can cut the display short by browning open flowers.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pale pink

Foliage Description

medium green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years to flowering size

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Abeliophyllum spp. in full sun to light shade on average, well-drained soil. It tolerates a wide pH range of about 6.0 to 7.5 and a variety of soils, and established plants withstand drought and cold to USDA zone 5. A position with some shelter protects the early flowers from hard late frosts. Water young plants through their first seasons until established. The plant needs little feeding and flowers most freely in full sun.

Pruning

Abeliophyllum spp. flowers on the previous year growth, so prune immediately after flowering in spring. Remove the oldest stems at the base to renew the clump and thin crowded growth. Hard pruning in late summer or winter removes the coming season flower buds.

Pruning Schedule

late spring