The forsythia, which comes from East Asia, has been found in German gardens for many decades and is very popular. However, sometimes there are uncertainties as to whether the ornamental shrub can tolerate frosty temperatures and needs protection.
Is the forsythia hardy and can it be cut in winter?
Forsythia is generally hardy and can also tolerate hard frosts. Protective measures are usually not necessary, except for snow forsythia or potted plants. Pruning in winter is possible, but it is recommended to prune after flowering in spring.
Is forsythia hardy?
With one exception, all varieties of forsythia arevery hardyand tolerate even the deepest frosts excellently. Sometimes it can happen that individual shoots or branches freeze away, for example because it is very cold and sunny at the same time. Such weather conditions encourage plants to let the juices flow again - which then of course freeze.
Frozen branches Simply cut away in spring with sharp secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon), fertilizing with compost and horn shavings ensures a good start new growing season and strong new shoots.
Do I need to protect forsythia in winter?
In winter, the frost-hardy forsythia requireno protectionfrom frost and other adverse weather conditions. An exception is theSnow Forsythia (Abeliophyllum distichum), which is also called “White Forsythia” because of the characteristic color of its flowers. This is not a variety, but simply a relative of the garden forsythia.
The snow forsythia comes from Korea, blooms from March to May and requires awind-protected location in the garden Basically, this ornamental shrub is hardy, but does not tolerate cold winds or drafts. Forsythia cultivated in pots should also be provided with winter protection.
How do I protect forsythia grown in containers in winter?
Forsynthia, especially the dwarf varieties like 'Minigold' or 'Mikador', can be cultivated very well in pots. However, in contrast to their relatives planted in the garden, they needwinter protection, as frost can penetrate the small amount of soil in the pots more quickly and thus damage the roots.
To prevent this, take thesemeasures:
- Place the planter on a thick surface, e.g. B. on a wooden disc.
- Wrap the planter and the soil surface with a tape and tie it shut.
- Place the pot on a house wall that gives off heat.
Also make sure to water the potted forsythia sufficiently in winter.
Can I cut the forsythia in winter?
If the weather is mild and the weather forecast does not predict any frost in the near future, you can cut back the forsythiaeven in winter. But be careful: Since forsythias lay their buds the previous year, pruning them in winter will disrupt the flower formation in the new year. You simply cut away the flower buds and thus reduce the potential flowers. It is better to cut the beautiful ornamental shrubs in springafter flowering. By the way: Since the leaves develop from the flowers, the forsythia also has fewer leaves.
Tip
Cut forsythia regularly
So that forsythias show their beautiful flowers every year, you should cut them regularly. Otherwise, the bushes will quickly age and no longer produce flowers. You can rejuvenate such uncared for specimens by putting them on the stick.
