Forsythias tolerate moving in the garden quite well. Whether transplanting a forsythia is worthwhile is another question. Since the bushes are easy to propagate, it is much easier to grow new forsythia from cuttings or planters.
When and how to transplant forsythia correctly?
To transplant a forsythia successfully, choose the time in May after flowering. Cut the forsythia branches back to around 50 cm and carefully lift the root ball out of the soil. Plant the forsythia in the new planting hole, which should be twice as large as the root ball, and water it well without causing waterlogging.
The best time to transplant
The best time to move forsythia is in May after flowering.
At this time the ornamental shrub is in full force and will quickly develop new roots after moving.
This is what you need for transplanting
- Pruning Shears
- Spade
- Digging Fork
- Excavator for very large plants
Cut back the forsythia before moving it
Before transplanting the forsythia, you must cut it back. The larger and older the bush, the more severe the pruning can be.
Cut the forsythia branches back to around 50 centimeters and rejuvenate the forsythia by completely removing old shoots.
Get the root ball out of the ground undamaged
The biggest problem when moving an older forsythia is getting the root ball out of the soil. You will hardly get the whole root system, as the roots of the forsythia are quite deep.
You will have to cut off some of the roots with a spade in order to be able to dig up the plant. There is a risk that the remaining roots will sprout again later.
Water well after transplanting
The new planting hole should be twice as large as the root ball. The forsythia is planted so that the roots are completely covered by soil.
Soak the plant well after moving it. If it is dry, the forsythia needs to be watered well in the first few days after moving. However, waterlogging must not occur.
Propagate forsythia instead of transplanting
Since cuttings can be easily grown from forsythia cuttings, you should consider whether moving the plant really makes sense. Maybe it's enough to plant an offshoot.
Tips & Tricks
If you transplant the forsythia in the fall, you should provide light winter protection. It is also quite possible that the shrub will not produce any flowers in the first year after moving.
