10 Types Of Forsythia: Bringing Golden Spring Into Your Home

Forsythia, often called "Golden Bells," is a stunning flowering branch known for its vibrant yellow blooms that appear before the leaves. While they are temperate shrubs that do not grow in Singapore, they are a popular imported flower, especially around the Lunar New Year. 

This guide covers the different types of forsythia you can find as cut flowers, their unique shapes, and how to style and care for them in a vase to ensure they last long in our tropical climate.

Understanding the Forsythia Family

Before we dive into the specific types, it is helpful to understand what forsythia actually is. It belongs to the Olive family, which might come as a surprise given its bright, showy nature. Originating primarily from Eastern Asia, these woody shrubs are famous for being the harbingers of spring in temperate climates.

In Singapore, we do not see them growing by the roadside. Instead, we see them arriving in florist shops as bundles of brown, woody sticks that magically burst into gold when placed in water. They are prized for their architectural shape and the sheer joy their colour brings. When you buy forsythia here, you are usually buying a hybrid variety that has been bred specifically to produce more flowers and sturdy stems that travel well.

Understanding the subtle differences between the species helps you choose the right branch for your specific vase and home decor style. Some are upright and rigid, making them perfect for tall corners, while others are weeping and romantic, ideal for a centrepiece that cascades over the table.

10 Types of Forsythia and Their Unique Characteristics

When you browse for these flowers at a premium florist or a nursery that specialises in imports, you might just see them labelled as "Forsythia." However, there are distinct varieties. Knowing the difference allows you to ask for exactly what you need to create the perfect floral arrangement.

1. Border Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia)

This is the most common type you will encounter in the cut flower market. It is a hybrid, a cross between the weeping variety and the greenstem variety, resulting in a plant that offers the best of both worlds. The branches are generally upright and stiff, but they maintain a slight, elegant arch at the tips. The flowers are a rich, bright yellow and are densely packed along the stem. 

Because the stems are strong and straight, they provide excellent height and structure, making them the best choice for floor-standing vases. They look majestic placed in the corner of a living room or an entryway where they can stand tall.

2. Weeping Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa)

As the name suggests, this variety has a much more relaxed and romantic habit. It is one of the original parents of many modern hybrids and holds a special place in traditional floral art. The stems are long, slender, and flexible; instead of standing to attention, they drape and hang downwards. 

The flowers are slightly paler than the Border Forsythia and are scattered more loosely along the branch. These are best suited for pedestal vases or mantelpiece arrangements. If you place these in a tall vase on a high shelf, the branches will trail down beautifully, creating a soft, cascading effect that feels very organic and natural.

3. Greenstem Forsythia (Forsythia viridissima)

This type is distinct because of the colour of its stems. While most forsythia branches are a warm brown or greyish-brown, the Greenstem variety has a noticeable greenish tint to the bark. The flowers on this variety often have a slight lemon-yellow hue, which is softer than the golden yellow of others, and the green stems provide a fresh, verdant contrast against the blooms. 

These are perfect for minimalist, clear glass vases. The green stems look attractive in the water, so you do not need to hide them inside an opaque ceramic pot, fitting well in modern, clean-lined Singaporean apartments.

4. 'Lynwood Gold'

This is a specific cultivar of the Border Forsythia and is arguably one of the most reliable and popular varieties in the world. If you see a particularly stunning display of forsythia, it is likely 'Lynwood Gold.' The flowers are larger than average and have broad petals with a deep, intense yellow colour. 

It is known for having flowers that open very widely, giving the branch a full, thick appearance. Because the blooms are so large and visible, a bunch of these makes a massive visual impact without needing any other filler flowers, making it ideal for statement centrepieces.

5. 'Show Off'

True to its name, this variety was bred to be ostentatious. In the floral trade, density is important, and 'Show Off' delivers this in spades. While some forsythia branches can have gaps between the flower clusters, 'Show Off' blooms densely from the bottom of the stem right to the tip with classic bright yellow flowers. 

This variety is the best choice for lush, full bouquets. If you want an arrangement that looks expensive and bountiful, this is the variety to choose as it leaves very little empty space on the branch.

6. 'Spectabilis'

This is an older variety, often called a "heritage" type. It is incredibly vigorous and holds up well as a cut branch. The blooms are a brilliant, almost glossy yellow, and the branches can be quite thick and woody, which gives them a rustic charm. 

Due to its robust nature and intense gold colour, it is best for festive displays, such as for the Lunar New Year. It symbolises prosperity and strength, making it a favourite for festive styling in homes and offices.

7. 'Golden Peep' (Dwarf Variety)

Not everyone has space for a 1-metre tall vase in their HDB flat or condo. This is where dwarf varieties like 'Golden Peep' come in handy. This is a compact mutation where the stems are shorter, and the space between the flowers (internodes) is smaller, making it look very bushy. 

These are best for coffee tables and dining tables. You can cut these stems shorter and place them in a round bowl or a cube vase, allowing you to see over the arrangement while chatting with guests at dinner.

8. Early Forsythia (Forsythia ovata)

In the world of imports, timing is everything. This species is naturally one of the earliest to bloom, which means it might appear in Singapore flower markets slightly ahead of the main season. The flowers are smaller than the hybrid types and have a lovely amber-yellow tone, while the stems are often more twiggy and delicate. 

This type is best for early seasonal appreciation. If you are eager for a touch of spring before the main rush of blooms arrives, keep an eye out for this delicate variety.

9. White Forsythia (Abeliophyllum distichum)

Technically, this is not a true forsythia, but it is a very close relative and is widely known by this common name because the flower shape is identical. It is rare but exquisite. The flowers are white, sometimes with a very faint pink blush. Unlike the yellow varieties, White Forsythia is often fragrant, smelling slightly like almonds or honey.

This is the best choice for elegant, neutral homes. If bright yellow clashes with your pastel or monochromatic interior decor, the White Forsythia offers the same beautiful branch structure in a chic, understated colour.

10. 'Meadowlark'

This variety was bred for extreme cold hardiness. While we do not need to worry about frost in Singapore, this toughness translates to a very durable woody stem that travels well. It has a semi-arching habit, sitting somewhere between the upright Border types and the Weeping types, with reliable, bright yellow flowers. Its durability makes it a great "skeleton" or frame for a large arrangement containing other heavy flowers, making it perfect for mixed bouquets.

Conclusion On Types of Forsythia

Forsythia offers a wonderful variety of shapes and sizes for the home decorator, from the tall and upright Border varieties to the elegant and cascading Weeping types. 

Whether you choose the intense 'Lynwood Gold' for a splash of colour or the sophisticated White Forsythia for a neutral palette, these branches bring a unique structural beauty that soft flowers cannot match. By understanding the different types and how to care for their woody stems, you can enjoy these "Golden Bells" for weeks, bringing a sense of prosperity and spring anticipation into your living space.

If you have any questions or want to order a bouquet of flowers, please contact us. Visit Singapore Florist to find beautiful flowers and bouquets for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Forsythia

What Are The Different Types Of Forsythia?

The main types of forsythia used in floral arrangements are the upright Border Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia), the cascading Weeping Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa), and the Greenstem Forsythia (Forsythia viridissima). There are also specific cultivars like 'Lynwood Gold' known for large flowers, and 'Golden Peep' which is a dwarf variety suitable for smaller vases.

Which Forsythia Is Best For Cut Flowers?

The Border Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia) and its cultivar 'Lynwood Gold' are generally considered the best for cut flowers. They have strong, straight stems that are easy to arrange in tall vases, and they produce a high density of bright, long-lasting blooms.

How Long Do Forsythia Cut Flowers Last?

With proper care, forsythia branches can last anywhere from one to three weeks in a vase. To maximise their lifespan, you should smash the woody ends of the stems to improve water uptake, change the water every few days, and keep the vase in a cool room away from direct heat.

What Is The Difference Between Forsythia Suspensa And Intermedia?

The main difference is the growth habit. Forsythia suspensa (Weeping Forsythia) has long, trailing branches that hang down, making it look relaxed and flowing. Forsythia x intermedia (Border Forsythia) is a hybrid that grows more upright and stiff, making it better for adding height and structure to an arrangement.

Can You Keep Forsythia In A Vase?

Yes, forsythia is an excellent choice for a vase. Because they are woody branches, they are sturdy and hold their shape well. They add dramatic height and colour to any room. Just remember to use a heavy vase, as the branches can be top-heavy and might tip over a lightweight container.

What Flower Looks Like Forsythia But Is White?

The flower that looks like a white version of forsythia is called White Forsythia (Abeliophyllum distichum). Although it is a different species, it is closely related and has a very similar flower shape and branch structure. It is often fragrant and is a beautiful, elegant alternative to the classic yellow varieties.