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.