737 Meadowlark Forsythia

Often hailed as the ultimate harbinger of spring, the 'Meadowlark' Forsythia is a vigorous, rapid-growing hybrid prized for its extreme cold hardiness and reliable floral display. This deciduous shrub was specifically developed to thrive in the Northern Plains, featuring flower buds that can withstand temperatures as low as -35°F without succumbing to winter dieback. In early spring, its arching branches are completely smothered in brilliant, bell-shaped golden-yellow flowers before any leaves appear, creating a spectacular "fountain" of color. Reaching a mature size of roughly 8 to 10 feet in height and width, 'Meadowlark' forms a dense, spreading screen that is ideal for privacy hedges, windbreaks, or as a vibrant specimen plant in a mixed border.

Beyond its striking spring bloom, the shrub remains a functional landscape asset throughout the year. Its dark, glossy green summer foliage provides a lush backdrop for perennials and occasionally transitions into attractive shades of yellow-purple or burgundy in the fall. Cultivating 'Meadowlark' is remarkably straightforward; it adapts to a wide range of soil types, including heavy clay, and exhibits significant tolerance for urban pollution and drought once established. To ensure a heavy bloom the following year, gardeners should prune the shrub immediately after flowering by removing about one-third of the oldest canes down to the ground. This easy-to-care-for variety is also notably deer resistant, making it a durable choice for regions where wildlife grazing is common.

In collaboration with the Agricultural Experiment Station of North Dakota, South Dakota and the Arnold Arboretum, this hybrid forsythia was developed for the Northern Plains. A shrub with superior flower-bud hardiness and showy, bright yellow spring flowers, its flower buds are hardy to -35°F. It will perform best in full sun.