The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for Forsythia Plants

Forsythias are a type of flowering shrub that falls under the olive family and is deciduous. They grow fast and require minimal maintenance. The shrubs have an arching form and are known for their long, yellow blooms that appear in early spring before the leaves grow. Bees and butterflies love forsythia and can be used as a backdrop, border, or centerpiece for any yard. Some varieties are smaller, only a few feet tall while others can grow up to 10 feet tall. Forsythias can grow up to 24 inches in a year, especially the larger varieties. They are best planted in late fall or early spring while dormant. People living in frost-free climates can plant forsythias in winter. Although they require little care, pruning is necessary to maintain the desired shape and size, however, some people prefer a wild-looking shrub, which is entirely appropriate for shrub borders alongside wooded areas.

Forsythias make great hedges when planted in rows as they grow in height and width. Plant them every 4 to 6 feet apart from each other to give them enough space to expand. Ensure they are planted in full sun and dig holes twice as large as their root ball. Place them in the hole so that the top of the root ball is flush with the ground and pack soil around the roots, then water them.

Forsythias grow best in at least six hours of direct sun on most days and prefer well-draining soil, but they can tolerate clay soil. They’re not picky about pH levels and can thrive in both acidic and alkaline soil. Water new plants regularly and only water them if there’s an extended period of no rainfall. Forsythias prefer slightly humid climates and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re fairly hardy in colder temperatures, but many varieties do not respond well below minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are many different types of forsythia and they come in varying sizes and shapes. There are hybrid plants achieved by crossing weeping forsythia and greenstem forsythia. Some notable varieties include ‘Sunrise,’ ‘Meadowlark,’ ‘Kolgold,’ ‘Lynwood Variety,’ ‘Courtasol,’ ‘Arnold Dwarf,’ ‘New Hampshire Gold,’ and ‘Northern Sun.’

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Forsythia bushes can become unruly if left unpruned, but annual pruning is not necessary if you prefer a wild look. If you want a neater appearance, prune after blooming in the spring to avoid losing next year’s flowers. Start by cutting down a quarter to a third of the oldest branches, followed by selective cutting of newer branches to improve shape.

To propagate forsythia, take stem cuttings in early to mid-summer from a mature plant that has flowered for at least a season. Remove bottom leaves, leaving two inches of stem exposed, and plant in a container with peat moss, perlite, and sand. Mist daily until roots are established. Alternatively, you can layer long branches by bending them to touch the ground and waiting for roots to form before cutting and transplanting.

Growing forsythia from seed is possible, but it can take a long time, and plants will not be identical to the parent. Plant a few seeds together just below the soil surface and keep them in bright, indirect light, with added humidity until they germinate.

Forsythia can be grown in pots, but repotting is needed every two to three years. Use well-draining soil and organic material or compost, and place in full sun with moist soil.

During winter, forsythia goes dormant and requires no special treatment, but cutting back can result in lost buds and no blooms for a season. Common diseases include knobby galls and fungal twig blights, which can be treated by removing affected stems and maintaining good air circulation.

If your forsythia bush isn’t blooming as you’d like, there could be a few reasons why. One of the most common causes is improper pruning – since forsythia blooms on old wood, it’s best to prune immediately after blooming in spring. Pruning in late summer or early fall can risk cutting off next year’s flowers and leaving the bush bare. A lack of light could also be a factor – forsythia needs at least six hours of sunlight daily. If nearby trees are blocking the sun, consider trimming them back. Late freezes and cold winters can also damage buds and reduce blooming. For older bushes with reduced blooming, regularly pruning out old wood can encourage new growth and rejuvenate the plant.