Pruning a Forsythia Bush
Forsythia bushes are an attractive flowering bush during the springtime, when the flame shaped flowers seem to spring forth from the straight branches they grow on. Forsythia is a hardy flowering bush that can blossom profusely whether it is in full sun or partial shade. Named after the Scottish botanist William Forsyth, this flowering bush has a unique aspect not found in other flowers: the forsythia flower produces lactose, a sugar generally found in cow’s milk. Also unlike other flowering bushes, the stems are canes, which means the insides are hollow. Forsythia should be pruned immediately after the flowering season and before it gets the buds for the following spring. The bush itself grows quickly each season, up to 2′, regardless of soil or weather conditions.
The forsythia buds remain on the bush through the following winter season and survive, blossoming right after the last frost has passed. Forsythia bushes that are in their mature years may require pruning, while the younger, newer bushes do not need to be trimmed back. If the bush looks out of balance with its growth, with more flowering branches on one side than another, then it is time to give the bush some attention.
The best way to prune a forsythia bush is to use garden cutters. Dead branches can be removed when the bush has the last of its flower blossoms. Trim back the branches that are the tallest. The tall branches will also have side branches, which can also be trimmed if they get too long and start to get tangled with other branches. Any other branches can be cut back to keep the branches in an overall uniform shape. Remove any undergrowth from the bush in the same way. Dispose of the cuttings in the trash or save some of the canes for craft projects, if desired. Right before the winter season, cut off a few branches with next year’s buds and stick them in a big vase of water. The branches will blossom inside your home, providing yellow flowers during the cold months of the year.
If desired, a branch from the bush in the following season can be cut, and stuck in the ground elsewhere and watered. The branch will develop into its own bush if the ground is soaked daily. Use the branches to create a hedgerow, or in random spots where ever you want to see a burst of color in your yard.
Image Credit: KENPEI, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
