Forsythia × 'Meadowlark' (Forsythia 'Meadowlark') is a classic early-spring bloomer valued for its reliable, bright yellow flowers that open along bare stems before the leaves appear. It forms a deciduous shrub with long, arching branches and a bold, fountain-like shape that reads as a true sign of spring in colder climates.
At maturity, expect roughly 7-10 ft of height with a similar spread in good conditions. Give it room to show its natural arching form, or use it as a flowering hedge. Place it where you can enjoy the bloom show up close, then let the fresh green foliage carry the planting through the rest of the season.
For the heaviest flowering, plant in full sun, though it will also grow well in part shade. Choose average, well-drained soil and water regularly during establishment; once rooted, it is generally adaptable, but it does not like standing water. A simple layer of mulch helps even out moisture and temperature swings around the root zone.
Pruning matters for bloom. This shrub flowers on older wood, so prune right after flowering finishes. Remove a portion of the oldest stems at the base to renew the plant, and shorten or thin wayward shoots to keep the structure open and graceful. Avoid heavy late-season pruning if you want maximum flowers the following spring.