Forsythia viridissima Citrus Swizzle

Forsythia viridissima 'Citrus Swizzle'  is a compact and bushy shrub which is particularly ornamental with its variegated leaf in lemon yellow and cream, turning red in autumn. Its early spring flowers are pale yellow, very bright, and bloom on bare branches. This recent and original variety is perfect for small spaces, borders, and container arrangements.

Forsythia viridissima 'Citrus Swizzle' is an American variety introduced in France since 2009. It is a charming small deciduous shrub belonging to the olive family, descending from a species native to eastern China and Korea.  It will reach 80 cm to 1m in all directions, showing compact and spreading growth. Like other forsythias, it provides a true spring spectacle in March, literally covered with numerous small bell-shaped flowers in soft and bright yellow. Flowering is followed by the appearance of deciduous foliage. Its long pointed leaves, 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) long, are very toothed and are a beautiful spring green shade which are heavily but irregularly edged in lemon yellow and then white cream. Its variegation does not burn in the sun and takes on a beautiful reddish-purple hue in autumn.

Forsythia viridissima 'Citrus Swizzle' is hardy and very easy to maintain .  It grows in any type of soil that does not retain too much winter water. This variety is ideal for small spaces or small gardens. It also grows very well in pots, given its small size, as well as in isolation, rockeries or in flower beds, especially in the company of Abelia grandiflora, smokebush or with mahonias or lilacs. It can be planted as a low and flowering hedge, as its branching is quite low. In early December, cut a branch or two and put them in a vase, they will bloom for Christmas.