How to Grow Border Forsythia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Border forsythia is a deciduous shrub that is native to China. It is a member of the olive family and can grow up to 6 feet tall. The border forsythia has green leaves that turn yellow in the fall and small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring. The plant is used as a border plant or as a specimen plant in gardens.

How to Grow Border Forsythia - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

Yellow Bells
Winter Bloom
Yellow Trumpet
Golden Bell
Forsythia

Basic info

border forsythia is a low-growing shrub that is native to China.
It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a border plant in landscaping.
Border forsythia typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet and has a spread of 4-6 feet.
The shrub has dark green leaves that are ovate in shape and measure 2-3 inches long.
Border forsythia produces clusters of small, yellow flowers in early spring.
The flowers are followed by small, black berries in late summer.
Border forsythia is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and a variety of soil types.
The shrub is relatively pest and disease resistant.
Border forsythia should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Border forsythia is an easy shrub to care for and is a good choice for novice gardeners.

How to Grow

For border forsythia, first step is to find a sunny location.
The second step is to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plants root ball.
The third step is to mix compost or well-rotted manure into the excavated soil.
The fourth step is to place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
The fifth step is to backfill the hole, gently tamping down the soil as you go.
The sixth step is to water the plant deeply to settle the roots.
The seventh step is to apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, but not touching the stem.
The eighth step is to trim the plant back by one-third to encourage Bushy growth.
The ninth step is to fertilize the plant in early spring using a balanced fertilizer.
The final step is to enjoy your border forsythia all season long!

Related plant:
Border Shrubs Along Fence

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the border forsythia prefers well-drained soil, but it can also tolerate clay and loam soils as long as they are not too wet. The plant is not very picky about soil pH and will do well in both acidic and alkaline conditions.

Light requirement

Like the other forsythia bushes, the border forsythia requires full sun in order to produce the best flowers. If you live in an area with long, cold winters, then you'll need to make sure that the bush gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you live in a mild climate, then the bush can tolerate some shade.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition is perfect for border forsythia. Border forsythia thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are very adaptable to different soil types, but prefer moist, loamy soils. They are intolerant of wet soils and will not do well in poorly drained soils. Border forsythia will do best in a location that receives full sun for at least six hours a day.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. This plant can tolerate lower humidity but will not thrive. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this type of plant requires a lot of phosphorus in order to bloom properly. A slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus is ideal for border forsythia. When it comes to the roots, they are very shallow and spread out, so make sure the soil is loose and well-draining. If the roots are too wet, they will rot.

About light

Pruning is an essential part of keeping your border forsythia healthy and looking its best. This shrub is a fast grower, so it will need to be trimmed every year or two to keep it from getting out of control. The best time to prune your border forsythia is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

About Propagating

Propagation is easy using softwood or hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. A heel (a portion of stem with an attached node) can also be used. Cuttings should be 3-6 inches long and taken from current season's growth. Strip away the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in moistened potting mix. Place in a warm, humid location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist. New roots should form in 4-8 weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 12 and 24 inches per year. They can however, grow up to 36 inches in a year if the conditions are just right. Plants that are well cared for will often have a higher growth rate than those that are neglected. If you want your border forsythia to reach its full potential, make sure to give it the care it needs.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant include pests, diseases, and nutrient disorders. pests include aphids, scale insects, and whiteflies. diseases include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. nutrient disorders include chlorosis and root burn.

Basics of Growing

Remember to regularly water your forsythia, especially when the weather is hot and dry.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
Forsythias are tolerant of most soil types, but prefer well-drained, sandy soils.
Fertilize your forsythia in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune your forsythia after it blooms in late spring or early summer.
Forsythias are generally disease and pest resistant.
If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to provide some protection for your forsythia, such as wrapping the plant in burlap.
Forsythias are best propagated through stem cuttings taken in late summer or early fall.
You can also divide an overgrown forsythia in late winter or early spring.