Forsythia x intermedia 'Sunrise'

Sunrise Border Forsythia

Forsythia × intermedia ‘Sunrise’ — commonly called Sunrise Forsythia — is a compact, deciduous shrub valued for its early spring blooms and manageable size. It forms a dense, mounded plant with upright to slightly arching branches. In early spring, before the foliage emerges, the stems are covered in bright golden-yellow flowers, providing a strong burst of color in smaller landscapes.

Mature Size:
Width: 3–5 ft
Height: 3–5 ft

USDA Zones: 5a–8b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in full sun)
Soil: Average, well-drained soils; adaptable
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Attracts early-season pollinators

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Compact, mounded deciduous shrub with upright to slightly arching stems
Bright yellow spring flowers provide early-season color
Excellent for borders, foundation plantings, and mass plantings
Good choice for smaller landscapes
Reliable and easy to grow

Maintenance:
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape
Blooms on old wood; avoid late-season pruning
Minimal pruning needed due to compact habit

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

3-5'

Width

3-5'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Late Winter

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Purple

Soil

Loamy, Tolerant of Clay, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Compact, Mounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes