When Do Forsythia Bloom in Georgia?

About Forsythia

• Forsythia is a very hardy, fast-growing shrub that grows 8 to 10 feet tall with a spread of 10 to 12 feet. It prefers full sun. The forsythia’s branches mostly grow upright, though many will weep and droop, giving it somewhat of a wild appearance. Because of its size and growing pattern, it’s best used as a border shrub or specimen plant.

Blooming Times in Georgia

• In early spring, typically in March in Georgia, the forsythia puts forth its bright yellow blooms on branches filled with deep-green leaves. Along with daffodils, which are another early-blooming flowering plant that can even grow through snow, they provide the first burst of color in an otherwise dreary landscape. If it’s a particularly warm winter, especially in south Georgia, which is warmer than north Georgia, forsythias can bloom as early as January.

Planting Requirements

• The forsythia does not require any special planting conditions. It can be planted in acidic or alkaline soil, but it grows best in a loamy, moist soil that is well drained. It should be planted in an area with full sun, though it can easily withstand and thrive in a partially shaded area. It’s known for being able to survive extreme heat, drought and even poor soils, and it is sometimes used on hillsides to help prevent erosion.

Maintenance

• Forsythias require very little maintenance. If you let them grow unattended, they will grow to their full size and continue to put out blooms year after year. After the blooms fall off a few weeks after their arrival, the shrub provides a lush green backdrop to any landscape. If you want to control the growth and shape of the shrub, prune them soon after the blooms fall, because the next year’s growth will emerge from the older branches. You can cut up to one-third of the old canes to the ground each year to ensure continued growth.