Lynwood Gold Yellow Bells Forsythia - 3 Gallon Pot

Founded in 1989 by master nurserymen and twin brothers Brooks and Brent Wilson, Wilson Bros Gardens brings you awesome every day! It is our goal to blow you away with a great selection of the most exciting new and old-favorite plants and trees, and with all the information you need to grow them like the pros! 

How To Test Soil Drainage  

If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your Forsythia, it's well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting. To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12" wide by 12" deep in the planting area. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. In well-drained soil the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions and a need to add some moisture retentive organic matter. A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and is a caution you need to improve drainage, plant in a raised mound or bed, or look for plants that are more tolerant of wet or boggy conditions.

Testing Soil pH  

Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. 

If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, and whether or not it's suitable for growing Forsythia, it's a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area. You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.

Set your Forsythia in the planting hole so that the top edge of the rootball is at or slightly above ground level to allow for settling. If necessary, add some backfill soil mixture to the bottom of the hole to achieve proper planting height. 

Note: If the soil is poorly drained (constantly soggy or wet) improve drainage or select a different plant species tolerant of wet soils. 

Forsythia are light feeders, however, will benefit from fertilization. 

For an extra boost at planting time, to stimulate early root formation and stronger root development you can water you newly planted Forsythia with a solution of Root Stimulator, which reduces transplant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants.

Soil pH - Forsythia grow best in a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil ranging from around 6.0 to 7.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

When young, Forsythia require regular water to establish a root system. When established, they are very drought tolerant.

If needed, prune immediately after spring flowering. 

For general shaping to keep the plant tidy, you can use a sharp pair of bypass hand pruners to remove damaged or dead branches, or branches that have outgrown the rest of the shrub and are spoiling the shape of the plant. Cut these branches back to a point just above the main form of the plant.