Abeliophyllum distichum

There is only one species in this Korean genus, which belongs to the same family as the common Forsythia, but there is nothing common about this plant. A. distichum is an open, spreading shrub that grows to 3–5′ and produces an abundance of delightfully fragrant, pure white, star-shaped flowers at the very beginning of spring, at least 2 weeks before Forsythia. The blooms are followed by foliage of a cool bluish green. Underplant with early-flowering spring bulbs such as Scilla and Muscari. Branches cut in late winter are easily forced into bloom, and the perfume is much more pronounced indoors.

For more information on growing Abeliophyllum, click Growing Guide.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation: a-bee-lee-o-fye´lum

Willowy, slightly spreading Abeliophyllum reaches 3–5′ in height. In early spring, it produces fragrant, white Forsythia-type flowers. Bring some branches inside in February for earlier bloom. White Flower Farm first introduced this plant to American gardeners in the early 1960's.

CULTURE: Full sun to light shade, average soil; prune out old shoots to maintain vigor. Space 3–4′ apart. Fertilize once in early spring with 10-10-10. Once plants are established, the next year's crop of flowers will be greatly enhanced by removing about one-third of the old wood after the flowering period is over.

GROWTH: Usually flowers within a year or two of planting. The rate of growth varies from slow (12″ or less a year) to fast (25″ or more a year) depending on the situation.

SUGGESTED USE: Plant in a shrub border or fragrance garden. Underplant with Scilla sibirica or species Crocus for a lovely early spring display.

No notable pests or diseases. Blossoms may be nipped by late frosts, so try to site the shrub where late-winter warmth won't encourage it to bloom too early.

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Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].