Forsythia

Forsythia

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Flowering period: March to April
• Height: 2-3m
• Foliage: deciduous
• Hardiness: fully hardy

Forsythia. In early spring this deciduous shrub bears masses of bright, short yellow flowers. The green leaves on the stems appear after flowering. Forsythia is quite easy to grow and looks great at the back of the border.

Needs full sun but will also tolerate partial shade.

Varieties

Forysthia x intermedia ‘Lynwood Variety’

A popular variety is Forysthia x intermedia ‘Lynwood Variety’. Large yellow flowers with ovate, green leaves. Grows to 2,5 m tall.

Forsythia x intermedia ‘Spring Glory’

Other good forms include Forsythia x intermedia ‘Spring Glory’ and Forsythia ‘Gold Rausch’

Pruning

What is the best way to prune a mature forsythia shrub. Keep in mind that forsythia flowers on old wood. Cut back immediately after flowering every year or two 1/4 or 1/3 of the oldest, thickest stems close to ground level.

This type of pruning stimulates the development of new, young shoots.

If the shrub has grown quite large you can renovate it by drastic pruning. Cut all the stems back just above the ground in March. Feed the shrub after drastic pruning or apply a mulch of garden compost around the base of the plant to encourage new growth.

Plant combination

Combine forsythia with other shrubs such as Choisya ternata, Magnolia stellata, Cornus alba, Viburnum tinus.

Viburnum tinus