Forsythias and forsythia bushes are beautiful hardy shrubs that are the most commonly planted of all other shrubs. Forsythia may be listed elsewhere as a forsythia plant, or a forsythia bush. Find facts and information on growing and pruning forsythia shrubs. They are cherished everywhere in the yard and garden because they are one of the first shrubs of spring to bloom. This occurs around March, depending on the climate in which you live. Forsythias are great plants to adorn a canvas gazebo.
Forsythia Facts and Information
Forsythias have a profusion of golden-yellow flowers which usually last well into April. There yellow flowers are a beautiful bright yellow. Other than the yellow daffodil, there is no brighter yellow at this time of year.
The yellow blooms are located along the stems of the shrub. After the flowers bloom and fall off, they are followed by nice green foliage. The shrub is attractive out of bloom as well. The leaves will stay on the plant until late fall.
The height of the varieties will vary according to their specific variety. The dwarfs will be only about 2 ft. high, others up to 10 ft. high.
All forsythias are easy to transplant and will grow equally as well in sun or shade. They are dependable bloomers and are rarely injured by severe winters. This is one reason they are very popular in the Northern states as well.
Forsythia Planting and Forsythia Pruning
Forsythia planting is easy when you have a good garden soil, but they will be more vigorous if you apply some peat, compost, or decayed manure and mulch them well in late spring or early summer. Planting may be done in spring, but late fall is best. Pruning forsythias can be done annually as soon as the flowering season is over.
Forsythias, depending on the variety you choose, may have a tendency to have straggly stems, so you might want to keep an eye on your plant to see when it is needing a little pruning. Many gardeners suggest that you shouldn't attempt to prune your shrub for at least 2-3 years. This way it gives the plant enough time to become established and able to withstand pruning.
IMPORTANT: The flower buds for the next year develop on the short side shoots of the old branches. If forsythias are cut back during the dormant season, the greater part of their flowering display will be sacrificed, in other words, no blooms.
Propagation of Forsythias
Forsythias may be propagated by either taking cuttings or layering. Soft cuttings, which will root readily, may be made in June or July. These cuttings should be 3 to 4 inches long and should be inserted in a propagating case of some type and then placed in a greenhouse or warm area.
Semi-woody cuttings may be made later in the season and inserted outdoors or in coldframes. You can make cuttings of mature wood by inserting them in sandy soil as late in the year as October or November, and they should root fairly easily.
Popular Forsythia Varieties
Lynwood Gold is an older variety, but one of the most reliable varieties. It has an upright growing habit and has large yellow flowers up an down the stems. This variety grows up to 6-8 ft. tall and grows in both sun and light shade.
Forsythia Meadowlark is known for its cold hardiness. It can survive in below 0 temperatures, making it a great choice for Northern climates. This variety grows up to 10 feet and requires full sun to bloom well.
Forsythia Mindia "Showoff", is a dwarf variety that only reaching 2-3 feet. It can also be used as hedge plants since they keep their green leaves longer than do other varieties.