Planting Forsythia Hedges Tips On Using Forsythia As A Hedge

Planting forsythia hedges requires appropriate spacing of the plants and regular pruning. If you want a more natural look, space the plants several yards (2.7 m.) apart and allow them, over time, to partially fill in the spaces between. If you want a sheared, formal hedge, leave less space between the forsythia shrubs.

Does forsythia make a good hedge?

The forsythia is a fast-growing, hardy shrub that blooms early — providing a sunny sight before the rest of the landscape greens up. Forsythias make an excellent choice for those wanting a fast-growing flowering hedge. For best results, plant forsythia 4-6 feet apart when creating your hedge.

Is forsythia an invasive plant?

Having said that, I would rather see someone use sterile forsythia than burning bush with berries that go everywhere.” Forsythia doesn't appear on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's list of invasive plants, although the characteristics that Summers notes are similar to some other invasive plants.

Do forsythia bushes spread?

Forsythias are fast growing shrubs. Many cultivars (varieties) have spreading, arching growth habits and can reach a height of 8 to 10 feet. Forsythias grow and bloom best in full sun. They will grow in partial shade, but won't bloom as heavily.

How fast does forsythia grow?

Forsythias make an excellent choice for those wanting a fast-growing flowering hedge. For best results, plant forsythia 4-6 feet apart when creating your hedge. Hardiness zones 5-8. Growth rate: more than 24″ per year.

Where is the best place to plant forsythia?

Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site

Select a spot in full sun where the shrub will have plenty of room in which to grow and expand. ...
Forsythia will adapt to most soils, though they prefer loose, well-draining soil.
They do best in soils with a pH that ranges from about 7.0 to 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline).

What grows well with forsythia?

Companion Planting and Design for Forsythia

Do not use forsythia as a foundation shrub; it can spread to great size. Redbud and Yoshino cherry trees are great companions providing color contrast. Flowering quince, bridal wreath spirea, and daffodils will naturalize together with forsythia for an early spring show.

How do you spread forsythia?

Forsythia can be propagate from soft wood cuttings. Look for a new flush of growth among the branches, and choose your cuttings carefully, seeking healthy, vigorous branches. Clean your pruning shears with alcohol and take several cuttings from among this new growth.

How do you shape a forsythia bush?

In a mature forsythia shrub, cut at least one-fourth to one-third of the oldest, thickest branches close to the ground. For the very oldest and most overgrown forsythia, pruning should be brutal, cropping the entire shrub to about 4 inches (10 cm.) from the ground.

How do you stop forsythia from spreading?

Cut branches as close to the ground as possible to encourage new growth to emerge from the base. Use this approach if the forsythia serves as a screen or an important backdrop in the garden. A more severe approach is to cut all of the branches to the ground and let the shrub resprout.

What month does forsythia bloom?

Forsythia flowers early. The flowers are produced early in the spring, before the leaves emerge, for a welcome show of bright yellow blooms (F. suspensa has paler flowers). Plants in the upper Midwest typically bloom starting in late March to mid-April for one to two weeks.

How deep are forsythia bush roots?

Forsythia has a very healthy and reasonably deep root system, so leave about 2 feet of the final stems above ground.

Are Forsythia roots deep?

Coupled with a dense network of small roots, forsythias grow from a deep, thick taproot that is responsible for most of its winter carbohydrate storage. Whether you want to transplant the forsythia or simply remove the plant, you must dig up the taproot along with the shrub.

Does forsythia bloom all summer?

Once the flowers have dropped from the stems, the plant will not bloom again until the following spring but does have lush green leaves all summer long. About mid way through the flowering cycle, you will have a combination of both leaves and green tips growing at the same time.

Is forsythia easy to grow?

Fast growing Forsythia bushes are easy to grow. Established plants require little, or no care. Grow Forsythia plants in full sun to partial shade. They will grow well in most soils.

What is the fastest growing bush for privacy?

Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja x 'Green Giant') is a hybrid with extreme vigor! It is the fastest-growing hedge that we offer, making it ideal for large privacy hedges.

When should I plant forsythia?

For most zones, early to mid fall (September or October) is the best time to plant forsythia. The weather is not too hot but the ground is still quite warm which encourages root development.

How often should I water forsythia?

Water thoroughly after planting, and keep a close eye on the plant over the following week. Then, give it a good soaking once a week during summer, unless rainfall is plentiful (more than 1″ per week). Established plants can generally get by on less water, but most grow best if the soil remains evenly moist.

Does forsythia need full sun?

Forsythia is hardy from growing zones 5 to 9. It will tolerate full sun to partial shade but needs at least six hours of full sun for vigorous bloom. Forsythia will tolerate most kinds of soil if it drains well.

Are forsythia bushes evergreen?

This uncommon, yet hardy, evergreen vine has tubular, golden yellow blooms and deep green, leathery foliage.

How long do forsythia blooms last?

The four-petaled flowers vary from light yellow to bright golden yellow and persist for 10 to 14 days. Flowers are produced in groups or clusters along the stems. Forsythias bloom only on old wood. Leaves emerge shortly after flowering.

Can forsythia grow in Florida?

Forsythia sage will bloom from fall until frost. The plant will freeze back to the ground in the winter in central Florida. The yellow flowering plant is attractive when combined with purple flowering plants, pentas, ornamental grasses and blanket flower.