Forsythia is often planted to form a border or privacy wall and to control erosion.
Forsythia is perennial in zones 5 through 8.
Plant bushes in the fall when they are dormant.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Pack the soil around the roots and water.
Light
Forsythia bushes grow best with at least six hours ofdirect sunon most days.
If your plant gets less sun than this, it might not produce as many flowers.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They are not particularly picky about theirpH levelsand can thrive in both acidic and alkaline soil blends.
Good drainage is important, however, so amend compacted soils as needed.
Temperature and Humidity
Forsythias prefer slightly humid climates.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
If exposed to prolonged periods of extreme cold, flowering for the following spring may be absent or reduced.
Northern gardeners will want to double-check to choose a variety known to have good hardiness in theirclimate zone.
Types of Forsythia
There are many varietals within the forsythia genus, offering different sizes and shapes.
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Shape them after they have finished blooming in spring.
If you’re happy with your bush’s shape, you might go for several years without pruning.
Begin bypruning roughly a quarter to a thirdof the oldest branches, cutting them right down to the ground.
Forsythia ‘Courtasol’EcaterinaLeonte / Getty Images
This will encourage new growth and a more compact form.
you’re free to also selectively cut newer branches to improve upon the overall shape of your forsythia.
In addition, propagating forsythia from seeds can take a very long time.
Forsythia x intermediaMinh Hoang Cong/Getty Images
However, you will have to repot the plant every two or three years as it will grow larger.
Any material container will do as long as it has drainage holes.
Fill it with half rich, well-draining soil and half organic material or compost.
Crown gall on forsythiaC-M/ Wikimedia Commons / GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
Place the pot in full sun and keep the soil moist, but never soggy.
They do not require pruning or watering during winter months, either.
Common Pests and Diseases
Forsythias don’t have many pest issues and are deer-resistant.
However, these plants struggle with a few diseases.
Forsythia shrubs can be prone to knobby galls forming along the stems, as well as fungal twig blights.
Both problems are best treated by removing affected stems.
Lack of light and extreme temperatures are also possible causes.
Curling Leaves
Curling leaves are most likely due to pests or diseases.
Possibilities include aphids, spider mites, leaf spot, and powder mildew.
Intense heat may also cause leaves to curl.
Drought and under watering are particularly likely to cause brown leaf tips in otherwise healthy plants.
Yes, forsythia plants spread rather quickly.
They spread via their roots and their branches.
These branches can reach the soil, put down roots, and spread the plant further.
No, forsythia are only yellow in spring.
In summer, they will exhibit green foliage.
