Abeliophyllum: planting, growing and caring

Botany

Abeliophyllum, also known as White Forsythia, is a deciduous, bushy bush native to the mountains of South Korea. It grows naturally on rocky slopes and wooded areas, where it benefits from well-drained soil and sunny exposure. Introduced to Europe and North America in the early 20th century, it remains relatively uncommon in gardens despite its outstanding ornamental qualities. Today, it is endangered in its natural habitat, with only about ten individuals estimated to remain in the wild.

Abeliophyllum lives up to its name as Korean Forsythia, as it closely resembles forsythia and is botanically very similar. Both bushes belong to the same family as the olive tree, the Oleaceae. This family also includes jasmine and lilac. Abeliophyllum comprises only one species (A. distichum), but there exists another variety distinguished by its pastel pink flowers: Abeliophyllum distichum ‘Roseum’.

Abeliophyllum in flower

Abeliophyllum distichum is a bush with a bushy, slightly spreading habit, remaining relatively low. It reaches between 1.5 and 2 m in all directions. Its slender, arching branches give it an elegant and graceful appearance. This delicate structure makes it easy to incorporate into various garden styles, from borders to low hedges and mixed beds.

Abeliophyllum flowers very early in the year, from February to March, before its foliage appears. Like forsythia, Abeliophyllum heralds the end of winter and the arrival of spring! It bears beautiful white flowers, or pale pink in the case of the Abeliophyllum distichum ‘Roseum’ variety. The flowers are small, measuring 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter, and cluster in groups of 3 to 5 along the branches. Each flower has four white or pink petals with yellow-orange centres. They emit a pleasant almond fragrance. Towards the end of flowering, the blooms take on a light brown hue. Abeliophyllum offers a lovely alternative for those who dislike the bright yellow flowers of the common forsythia.

The flowering of Abeliophyllum is melliferous, attracting pollinating insects at a time when few other flowers are available.

After flowering, Abeliophyllum develops its foliage. The leaves are dark green, slightly glossy, ovate to oblong, with sometimes slightly dentate edges. They measure 5 to 10 cm long, arranged opposite each other in two ranks – hence its species name: distichum comes from the Greek dis (“two”) and stikhos (“row”). In autumn, the leaves turn golden yellow to purplish red, adding a lovely splash of colour to the garden before they fall.

Abeliophyllum is a relatively slow-growing plant. Once established, it requires little maintenance beyond light pruning to maintain its shape and encourage abundant flowering. In the garden, Abeliophyllum works well as a specimen plant, perhaps in the middle of a short grass meadow where it can be shown to best advantage, or combined with other early-flowering bushes (forsythia, witch hazel, flowering quince) and spring bulbs. Its early flowering makes it an excellent choice for brightening winter gardens, while its elegant foliage and habit provide discreet charm throughout the growing season.

Abeliophyllum can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C. However, in regions with particularly harsh winters, it’s advisable to plant it in sheltered locations, such as against a south-facing wall, to benefit from residual warmth and protection from cold winds.

Abeliophyllum also makes excellent cut flowers for arrangements. Like forsythia, you can cut branches in early December and force them in water to bloom by Christmas. Discover our tutorial: “How to force forsythia branches for bright, colourful arrangements?”

Abeliophyllum foliage

The main varieties of Abeliophyllum

Abeliophyllum distichum - White Forsythia

This is the most well-known and widely cultivated species. It boasts an elegant pure white flowering, enhanced with a touch of yellow at the centre of the flower.

• Flowering time March, April
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Abeliophyllum distichum Roseum

Less common, this variety offers a very romantic soft pink flowering.

• Flowering time March, April
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to plant Abeliophyllum?

Abeliophyllum prefers a sunny or lightly shaded position. Good sunlight encourages abundant flowering. In southern regions of France with very hot summers, light afternoon shade will be beneficial to avoid water stress. We also recommend planting Abeliophyllum sheltered from strong winds, for example protected by a wall or hedge.

This bush is tolerant of soil type but prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils, slightly acidic to neutral. Overly compacted or poorly drained soils may lead to root rot problems. We advise enriching the soil with compost before planting.

In the garden, Abeliophyllum can find its place in a free-flowing country hedge, among shrub borders, as a standalone specimen, or trained against a wall. It can even be grown in a large container on a balcony or terrace.

When to plant it?

The ideal time to plant Abeliophyllum is in autumn, between October and November, allowing it to establish before winter, develop a robust root system and be ready for growth the following spring. However, it can also be planted in early spring, before vegetation resumes. Avoid periods of frost or extreme heat.

How to plant Abeliophyllum?

In open ground

If planting several young plants (for example for a hedge), space them 1.5 to 2 metres apart.

• Start by placing the rootball in a basin of water to rehydrate it.
• Loosen the soil to a depth of 30-40 cm and incorporate well-rotted compost.
• Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the bush’s rootball.
• Position the bush in the centre of the planting hole, ensuring the top of the rootball is level with the ground.
• Backfill with the excavated soil, then firm gently.
• Water thoroughly to help establishment. Consider creating a watering basin around the base to aid water penetration.
• You may also apply a layer of organic mulch around the base. This helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

For the first few weeks, water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor young plants closely for signs of water stress, disease or parasitic issues. Good observation allows prompt action if problems arise, ensuring healthy growth.

In containers

• Use a pot at least 40cm in diameter with drainage holes.
• Fill with a mix of garden soil, compost and sand.
• Place the rootball in the pot, then fill with substrate and firm gently. Ensure the top of the rootball sits level with the substrate to prevent water pooling around the crown.
• Water thoroughly.
• Position in a sunny or lightly shaded spot. During heatwaves, move to shade to protect the bush.

Maintenance

The Abeliophyllum is an accommodating, hardy bush with little susceptibility to diseases and parasitic issues. It therefore requires minimal maintenance once planted in the garden.

We do, however, recommend pruning it every year, around April, once it has finished flowering. This will encourage abundant flowering and vigorous growth. Pruning is best done in spring rather than autumn to avoid compromising the following year’s flowering, as this bush blooms on the previous year’s wood.

In the first few years, only very light pruning is needed, mainly removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and lightly thinning the interior of the bush to improve air circulation and light penetration. In subsequent years, you can prune more severely, shortening branches by a third or half their length. This will rejuvenate the bush, promote the growth of new floriferous branches, and maintain a compact, balanced shape.

The Abeliophyllum prefers slightly moist soil, especially in the first few years after planting and during dry spells. Water regularly for the first two years to help establish a strong root system. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Once well-rooted, the bush becomes more drought-tolerant, though occasional watering during extreme heat or prolonged dry periods will benefit it. We also recommend applying a layer of organic mulch around the base to keep the soil cool for longer and suppress weed growth.

In spring, apply a balanced organic fertiliser or well-rotted compost around the base of the bush to provide the nutrients needed for healthy growth.

How to propagate Abeliophyllum?

Abeliophyllum can be propagated by propagation by cuttings or layering. The seeds have a fairly low germination rate, which is why we do not recommend sowing.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is carried out in late summer, around August, when the current year’s shoots are partially lignified (semi-hardwood).

• Choose healthy shoots from the current year. Take 10 to 15 cm long cuttings by making a clean cut below a node.
• Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cuttings, leaving only a few at the top.
• Dip the base of the cuttings in plant hormone to stimulate rooting (facultative).
• Prepare pots by filling them with a mixture of compost and sand, and water to moisten the substrate.
• Plant the cuttings in the substrate, and gently firm the soil around them.
• Place the pots in a mini greenhouse or cover them with a clear plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Ensure the bag does not touch the leaves to avoid direct condensation.
• Place the cuttings in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Keep the substrate moist, but not waterlogged.
• Once the cuttings have developed sufficient roots (usually after 2 to 3 months), you can transplant them into larger pots. Wait until the following spring or autumn to plant them in the ground.

Layering

Layering of Abeliophyllum is also carried out in late summer. This technique involves burying a low branch of the bush so that it develops roots before being separated from the parent plant.

• Choose a low and flexible branch.
• Make a slight incision in the branch where it will be in contact with the soil to encourage rooting.
• Bury this part of the branch in the soil, leaving the tip free. Secure it with a stone or a hook.
• Keep the soil moist and wait several months for roots to develop.
• Once strong roots have formed, cut the branch from the parent plant and transplant it to its final location.

How to pair it?

In the garden, you can incorporate Abeliophyllum into a mixed hedge alongside other bushes that flower in late winter or early spring, such as forsythias, Japanese quinces, flowering currants, witch hazels, and Edgeworthia chrysantha… Consider the delicate pink flowers of the winter viburnum, Viburnum farreri, and enjoy the elegant flowering of camellias. You can also plant it alongside dogwoods with coloured wood, star magnolias, and flowering cherries. To create year-round greenery, incorporate a few evergreen bushes such as holly and sarcococca.

Don’t hesitate to plant small spring bulbs at the base of Abeliophyllum, like crocuses, botanical tulips, spring starflowers, and snowflakes (Leucojum vernum), as well as early-flowering perennials, such as hellebores, Eranthis hyemalis, Anemone nemorosa, and Cyclamen coum. Consider winter heathers (Erica darleyensis), which brighten the garden in winter with their countless tiny white or pink bells. Highlight these blooms by surrounding them with the decorative foliage of sedges and heucheras.

Abeliophyllum distichum, Edgeworthia chrysantha, Hamamelis intermedia, Helleborus orientalis and Leucojum vernum