Forsythia: What’s Blooming Now!  In Dallas – Late February to Mid March

Forsythia:  The flowers are produced in the early spring before the leaves, bright yellow with a deeply four-lobed flower, the petals joined only at the base.   Forsythia blooms at the same time as the earliest of daffodils and red japonica.  By the third week in March the blooms will be gone and the green leaves will begin to appear!  This is a perfect setting.  If you prune the Forsythia you will prune the blooms.  It should be allowed to grow naturally, but that means a large and lanky shrub.

This is an easy shrub to root! In the fall, break off several branches, strip off the leaves and stick them in the ground. Next spring you should have some new forsythias!  This is not a particularly attractive shrub when it is not blooming.  You need a fairly large yard to accommodate it.

Early daffodils bloom with forsythia.  The classic Texas combination is red japonica, forsythia and early daffodils.  These represent the first sign of spring in Texas.

Forsythia also blooms with Tulip Trees.  If you want to have a ‘early’ bloom section of your garden combine Tulip Trees, Forsythia, Japonica and daffodils.  Crab Apples bloom at the end of the forsythia bloom time.

The only shrub that blooms before the Forsythia is the Japonica, a ruby red flower.

See Texas Blooming Trees to find trees that bloom at the same time, hint: Tulip Tree!

Forsythia can grow in parts of North and East Texas, but it’s not ideally suited for the hotter, drier regions of the state. It performs best in USDA Zones 5–8, which means cooler parts of Texas may see better results than Central or South Texas.

While not native and less commonly used in modern Texas landscapes, forsythia remains a traditional favorite in cottage and heritage gardens. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and will bloom more heavily when exposed to at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Compact varieties such as ‘Show Off®’ and ‘Lynwood Gold’ are valued in the nursery trade for their improved flower density and form.

In Texas, flowering is often shorter-lived due to rapid temperature swings in early spring, and plants may struggle in clay-heavy or poorly drained soils. Forsythia is best planted in areas with moderate winters and some protection from harsh summer heat.

Q: Can Forsythia grow in Texas?

A: Yes, Forsythia can grow in parts of Texas, especially in North and East Texas, where winters are cooler. It struggles in South and Central Texas due to extreme heat and inconsistent chill hours.

Q: When does Forsythia bloom in Texas?

A: Forsythia typically blooms in late winter to very early spring—often February to March—depending on region and weather. It’s one of the first shrubs to flower, producing bright yellow blooms before leaf-out.

Q: Are there smaller varieties of Forsythia for urban gardens?

A: Yes. Look for compact or dwarf cultivars such as:

• ‘Show Off® Sugar Baby’ – only about 2½ feet tall

• ‘Gold Tide’ – a low, spreading form ideal for borders

• ‘Magical® Gold’ – a newer compact variety around 3 feet tall

These are better suited to urban and small-space plantings, with less overgrowth and easier maintenance.

Q: Does Forsythia look messy or unsightly when not in bloom?

A: Yes, it can appear unkempt once flowering is over, especially older or unpruned shrubs. The foliage is plain and the arching branches may look loose or weedy if not shaped. Regular pruning right after bloom helps maintain a tidy form.