The forsythia is one of the first to bloom in spring and is a popular ornamental shrub, mainly because of its beautiful flowers. In addition, it is very easy to care for.
Even before the leaves sprout, the bell-shaped flowers appear in a bright golden yellow from March. Therefore, the forsythia also has the nicknames gold bells, gold lilac or gold willow. The flowering period lasts until May, after which leaves form a strong green. Forsythia are generally very undemanding plants that thrive in the home garden as well as in public parks or outdoors.
- Family: Olive Family
- Genus: Forsythia
- Species: Forsythia
- Botanical name: Forsythia
- Common species in Europe: Forsythia x intermedia
Growth and growth behavior of forsythia
The shrubs grow medium fast (about 30 to 50 centimeters per year) and can be several meters high and up to three meters wide. Forsythia is therefore suitable both for a single position and as a hedge. When planting a hedge, two specimens per meter are expected. Forsythia are also very suitable for mixed hedges. Next to an evergreen shrub, the radiant color of the flowers comes into its own.
Location and soil conditions
Sun, shade or semi-shade: Forsythia thrive anywhere. Only in the deep shade does the joy of flowering diminish. In addition, the branches do not grow as densely. The undemanding shrub also likes any soil. Soils rich in humus and nutrients are ideal.
As a shallow root, forsythia always needs sufficient moisture. Here you can prevent with a thick layer of bark mulch so that the soil does not dry out. Here are instructions on how to apply bark mulch correctly.
Important care measures
Water and fertilize:
No special care is necessary, you should only water the forsythia regularly during long dry periods. However, it does not need fertilizer.
cut:
Young forsythia do not need to be pruned. It is sufficient if you shorten the branches by a third every two to three years after flowering. In older copies is now and then aclearing cut necessary. You recognize the need by the fact that the inner branches become very woody. In addition, the forsythia drives up and outside long, thin and pale shoots. However, most shrubs can still be saved with a radical maintenance cut. It is best not to remove all the disturbing branches at once, but spread the thinning out over several years! Proceed as follows:
Leave four to five strong branches and prune the rest to a few inches from the ground. The ideal time for this action is in late winter or early spring, before the first flowers form. In the next late winter, remove all new, thin shoots. Well-developed shoots must be shortened at different heights and the remaining old branches must be completely removed. This forms a handsome new crown, which will flower again no later than the third year after the pruning procedure.
You can find more important tips on pruning in our article How to cut forsythia correctly!