The Lynwood Gold forsythia is a popular deciduous shrub known for its bright and abundant yellow blooms in early spring. While this plant remains leafless during the winter months it still requires some care and maintenance to ensure it survives the cold weather and re-blooms vigorously again next year. This article provides tips on watering pruning, protection, pest management and other aspects of overwintering Lynwood Gold forsythia bushes.
Why Forsythias Matter in Winter
Though dormant in winter, forsythia bushes remain integral parts of the landscape Their winding, arching branches and purple-tinged bark provide structure Forsythias are also one of the very first shrubs to bloom in spring. So proper winter care ensures
- Abundant flowers in coming years
- Healthy spring re-growth
- Attractive form even while leafless
Doing some winter maintenance helps avoid dieback or lackluster flowering next season. It also keeps plants looking good year-round.
Watering Well in Winter
Adequate winter water prevents drought stress, desiccation damage and root dieback. Here are tips on winter watering for forsythias:
- Water every 3-4 weeks during winter if rainfall is insufficient. Forsythias need about 1-2 inches of moisture per month while dormant.
- Check soil moisture before watering. Only water if the top few inches become dry.
- Water during winter thaws when air temperatures are above 40°F. This prevents roots from freezing.
- Water slowly and deeply. Soak the entire root zone area.
- Reduce watering frequency as plants begin blooming in early spring.
The key is not allowing roots to fully dry out. Dormant plants still lose moisture through branches and bark. Sitting in frozen, parched soil harms their root systems.
Smart Winter Pruning
Pruning forsythias while dormant encourages new growth and maximizes flowers. Here’s how to prune them in winter:
- Wait until plants are fully dormant in late fall or early winter.
- Use sharp, clean pruners to remove dead, damaged and crossed branches at their base.
- Thin out congested interior branches to improve air circulation and light penetration.
- Cut back long, leggy branches to shape plants and control size.
- Remove about 1/3 of the oldest branches near ground level to rejuvenate overgrown shrubs.
- Prune out suckers sprouting from the root system.
- Disinfect pruners between plants to prevent spreading disease.
Leave pruning until spring after the last hard frosts have passed. Time it before new growth emerges. Never shear forsythias into ball shapes; this causes unsightly regrowth at the top.
Protecting from Winter Weather
While considered hardy in zone 5, extreme cold can damage forsythia twigs and flower buds. Here are some protective measures:
- Wrap trunks of younger plants with insulation wrap to prevent freeze injury.
- Paint trunks with white latex paint diluted with water to reflect sunlight and prevent sunscald.
- After heavy wet snows, gently shake off accumulation to avoid broken branches.
- Place evergreen boughs, fabric or barriers around plants to shield from bitter winds.
- Add a loose layer of mulch around the base to insulate roots from temperature swings.
- Avoid excess mulching right against trunks, as this keeps the soil too warm and promotes premature growth.
Sheltering plants helps preserve flower buds for the spring blooming season. But take care not to promote early growth that could then be damaged by late frosts.
Checking for Issues
Keep an eye out for any pest or disease problems during winter dormancy:
- Inspect branches for cankers (sunken lesions) and prune out infected areas promptly.
- Look for egg sacks, webbing, frass and other signs of insect infestation.
- Treat any laurel or cottony taxus weevils, leafminers, scale insects or mites with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays.
- Note yellowing leaves, stunting, dieback or other distress symptoms indicating possible root or vascular diseases.
- Clear vines like Oriental bittersweet from plants to avoid girdling, breakage and added weight when snow-covered.
- Saturate ant nests or hills under plants with water to get colonies to relocate elsewhere.
Catching issues early allows treatment before problems intensify. Maintaining winter health means more spring flowers and vigorous growth when warmer weather returns.
Transitioning Care in Early Spring
Once the worst of winter passes, forsythias need some early spring care:
- Apply dormant oil spray in late winter to suffocate overwintering soft-bodied insect eggs and larvae.
- Top dress with fresh compost or slow-release granular fertilizer to invigorate growth as temperatures warm.
- Set up irrigation if rainfall is lacking, watering thoroughly as needed until blooming ends.
- Weed carefully around plants, since tender new spring growth emerges and is easily damaged.
- Hold off on major corrective pruning until after flowering concludes.
With proper planting and attentive care during winter dormancy, Lynwood Gold forsythias will flourish in your garden for years to come. The bright golden blooms they reward you with in early spring make the effort worthwhile.
Common pests and plant stress
- Deer tolerant
- Japanese beetle resistant
- No serious disease problems
Visit Whats wrong with my plant? – Forsythia for a list of the most common forsythia pests in Minnesota. Poor flower bud hardiness (left) vs. good flower bud hardiness (right)
Growing forsythia Forsythia leaves in summer
- Hardiness zone: 3b-8
- Full sun
- Adaptable; sand, loam, or clay
Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to other soils. Prefers soil pH 5.0 to 8.0; have your soil tested by the U of M Soil Testing Lab.
The plant produces a lot of stems, so prune regularly after it blooms to maintain an attractive plant shape.
When And How To Prune Your Forsythia Shrub With David Domoney
FAQ
What does Lynwood Gold Forsythia look like in winter?
This flowering shrub features beautiful bell shaped yellow blooms in spring, alternating green leaves in summer that turn to a dark purple in fall and winter with the return of cold weather. Enjoy these photos.
What does forsythia look like in winter?
Does forsythia lose its leaves in winter?
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Leaf Drop:As the weather cools in autumn, forsythia leaves will start to turn yellow and then fall off.
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Dormancy:During winter, the forsythia will be bare, with only its woody stems and flower buds visible.
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Spring Revival:In early spring, before the leaves emerge, the forsythia will produce its bright yellow flowers.
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Winter Care:Forsythia doesn’t require special winter care, as it is naturally hardy and can withstand cold temperatures.
How to protect forsythia in winter?
The branches of the plant should be tied in towards the center, then a circle of hardware cloth can be placed around the outside. The base of the hardware cloth should be buried in the soil or mulch. This protection should be installed in late November and removed in mid April.