Forsythia: A Happy Burst of Color in the Winter

Yellow Blooming Forsythia Bush

If you want to see a sunny spot of color during cold and white winter months, the forsythia is what you need.  This low maintenance bush is one of the first to bloom as the new season and new year begins.  Check out these easy-care tips for growing this sunny-colored bush. 

Light

During warm months, the forsythia performs best in a full sun location.  Since light is its main requirement to thrive, it does great with minimal water and holds up well during times of drought.  It also grows well in a variety of soil conditions.  In Georgia, ours thrive happily in clay soil! 

Blooming Winter Color

Forsythia is deciduous, meaning it looses its leaves in the winter and takes a rest (becomes dormant).  But as the new year starts, the forsythia bush comes alive with vibrant yellow flowers while other plants are still sleeping.  To ensure you get the best blooms, feed your bush with a fertilizer high in phosphorus just as it starts to bud out.   

After your forsythia blooms, if you like, you can prune the tips to keep your plant bushy.  At full size, the forsythia can tower up to 10 feet so you can either decide to let it grow to its full potential or maintain its size through pruning.  Remember to prune after it blooms so you don’t cut off any flower buds. 

As the temperatures cool towards the end of the season, forsythia’s leaves change from green to a vibrant deep burgundy that blends nicely with other fall colors. 

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