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Top Questions About Forsythia Bushes

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Questions About Forsythia Bushes

  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    April 16, 2018
    A.

    Forsythia has been hybridized into many different sizes. Shrub and bush are used interchangeably although some prefer bush for smaller shrubs. Elaeagnus pungens or thorny olive, silverthorn is a large shrub that suckers. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e622. Unfortunately, it has become invasive in US Southeast.
    Forsythia is well-known for rooting and starting a new shrub where a branch touches the ground. One third of the oldest branches are removed annually to keep it blooming well. If you prefer less maintenance, check your state cooperative extension service website for recommendations on what shrubs work well in your climate and soil.

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  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    April 20, 2018
    A.

    I wish you had included a picture: knowing which vines you have helps with effective eradication measures. If you don't want to use herbicides, you are left with digging out the vine roots or cutting stems to the ground weekly. Consider digging out the forsythia to get to all the roots. Forsythia is very tolerant and will bounce back if kept watered while it re-establishes. I would prune it back or tie up the forsythia stems to make the task easier. Cutting the vines and immediately applying a small amount of Brush-B-Gon to the cut (I use a q-tip or 1/4" foam brush), gives faster results. With this technic, only a minimal amount of herbicide is used.

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    May 26, 2018
    A.

    This article will help you with pruning.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-pruning.htm

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  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    June 13, 2018
    A.

    You give a perfect description of the traditional forsythia. Every year, you should remove 1/3 of the branches to the ground, starting with the oldest ones. Over time, this contains the spreading nature and stimulates growth of young canes that flower the next year. You can cut it down completely although it is a tad late to be doing that sort of rejuvenation pruning. Usually it is done during late winter or right after it flowers. If you go ahead, new branches may not have time to form flower buds for next spring. There are now some hybrids that sprawl less and are not as tall. But spring pruning of old wood is an annual chore for all of them.

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    June 20, 2018
    A.

    You can easily trim back the stems that are growing very tall right now. For regular pruning, wait until after blooming in the spring.
    These links will help you.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-pruning.htm
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-rejuvenation.htm

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  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    June 27, 2018
    A.

    It is not too late to prune forsythia but you need to act quickly. Spring blooming bushes should be pruned no later than July 4th. You'll be able to see developing flower buds later in July.

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    June 26, 2018
    A.

    This article will help with pruning information.
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/forsythia-pruning.htm

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  • Answered by
    MichiganDot on
    August 4, 2018
    A.

    You may have a forsythia blight which is treatable. Always remove infected leaves quickly, prune out dead stems and don't compost the debris. In fall, remove all leaves from the vicinity. Here are 2 articles that I hope will help you pin down the problem. Make sure there are no signs of a burrowing animal that might have destroyed roots.
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/forsythia/yellow-leaves-on-forsythia.htm
    https://ask.extension.org/questions/143531

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