How to Plant Forsythia

Many people are familiar with forsythia bushes because their yellow blossoms are some of the first of spring. These garden plants are deciduous shrubs that are very easy to grow and require little maintenance or special conditions. The bush is tolerant of pollution and can take many different soil types.

Available plot
Forsythia transplant or rooted cutting
Shovel
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Decide on the best location for the bush. Look for an area that has full sun and well drained soil. Forsythia grows quickly, about 1-2 feet per year, so make sure that it has plenty of space. Allow a diameter of about 8 or more feet around the shrub.
- 2
  Research selected available varieties to see which ones perform best locally. Will the shrub be used just for ornament or for privacy as well? Will the site be partially shaded? Is there a need for lots of cut flowers? The most common kind is Border Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia). Other varieties include "Linwood Gold", "Gold Cluster", "Spring Glory", "New Hampshire Gold", "Showy Border" and "Karl Sax".
- 3
  Purchase a shrub from a garden store or propagate a new plant from cuttings. To grow forsythia from cuttings cut a 3-6 inch branch from an area of new growth. Place is a pot of moist soil, keep moist. It will slowly take root over a few weeks. When the cutting produces new leaves, it will be ready to transplant.
- 4
  Dig a hole in the designated location. The hole should be a bit larger than the plant's root ball.
- 5
  Set the plant in the ground with the top of the root ball at or slightly above ground level.
- 6
  Fill the hole around the plant with soil. Press it down firmly but do not pack it too hard.
- 7
  Water the new plant thoroughly.

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