Guide to pruning forsythia
Planting the forsythia
The best time to plant this shrub is in the autumn, then the plant has time to root properly until winter. The forsythia is a strong shrub that only needs water in extreme heat and drought. Think of a period of 15-20 days. This shrub is a true lover of the sun and requires at least six hours a day in spring and summer. The forsythia is also easy to propagate. Put a few young shoots in a pot of soil and if they take root, they will take root within a few weeks. A possible problem with the shrub is that it is susceptible to rot, which is caused by a bacteria. The leaves then turn brown and eventually even black. To save the forsythia, prune it back until you reach healthy wood.
When and how to prune the forsythia?
It is a difficult job to prune a forsythia properly and if you are not sure, it is wise to watch an instructional video.
You should prune the forsythia after flowering in the spring. Flowering takes place on biennial wood. If you prune after flowering, the shrub still has enough time to form new branches. Pruning is done as follows:
At the dead branches, look for a strong offshoot that is growing outward.
Use sharp pruning shears and cut the rest of the branch at an angle, just above the offshoot.
Every year, prune a number of old branches to just above the ground.
To get a richly flowering shrub in the following year, you should leave about 3 to 5 strong and healthy branches.
