Forsythia is an easy-to-grow, hardy deciduous shrub that makes a cheerful show of bright yellow flowers early in spring. Numerous small, bell-shaped blooms are borne along bare twiggy stems, before the mid-green leaves appear. Forsythias make excellent shrubs for garden borders but do have a relatively short period of interest, as neither the twiggy branches nor the large, toothed-edged light green leaves have any ornamental appeal, so avoid siting in a prominent position. Forsythias are quick to grow and tolerate a wide range of growing conditions in the garden.
Forsythia is a classic spring flowering shrub that is beloved for its vibrant yellow blooms. This hardy plant can bring cheery color to gardens hedges and borders when planted in the landscape. But can you successfully grow forsythia in pots and containers?
The answer is yes! With the right variety selection proper planting techniques, and attentive care forsythia can thrive when grown in pots. Containers allow you to showcase the shrub’s gorgeous golden display on decks, patios, and entryways.
Choosing the Best Forsythia Varieties for Pots
Forsythia varieties range greatly in mature size, from giant 10 foot shrubs down to dwarf cultivars under 3 feet tall. To find the best forsythia for containers, look for dwarf, miniature, or compact types that reach just 2-4 feet tall at maturity.
Some excellent compact forsythia varieties for pots include:
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Forsythia ‘Minigold’ – Grows only 2-3 feet tall. Produces masses of bright yellow blooms.
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Forsythia ‘Fiesta’ – Compact grower to about 1 meter tall. Profuse flowering.
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Forsythia ‘Meadowlark’ – A dwarf variety reaching just 2-4 feet Features dense flowering and deep green foliage.
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Forsythia ‘Bronxensis’ – An ultra dwarf that only reaches 1-2 feet tall. Blooms heavily in spring.
Stick with compact forsythia cultivars described as miniature, dwarf, or ideal for container growing. This helps keep the plants sized appropriately for pots.
Selecting the Right Container
Choose a container that is slightly larger, about 2-4 inches wider, than the forsythia’s root ball. This gives the roots some room to expand while still limiting excessive growth.
For most dwarf varieties, start with a 10-14 inch diameter pot. Rectangular and oval planters also work well. Make sure pots have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
Pick heavy containers that will be stable and not blow over once the shrub is full grown. Plastic, ceramic, concrete, metal, and wood pots all work great.
Follow Proper Planting Methods
Forsythias prefer moist but well-draining soil. When planting in pots, use a quality potting mix amended with compost or organic material. You can also create a custom soil blend.
Set new forsythia plants at the same level they were growing in the nursery pot. Gently firm the soil without excessive compaction. Keep the soil consistently moist after planting to encourage establishment.
Caring for Potted Forsythia Plants
While easy to grow, container forsythias need a bit more care than landscape plants:
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Watering – Check soil daily and water when the top few inches become dry. Don’t let pots completely dry out.
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Sun – Place in full sun to part sun. Forsythias need at least 6 hours of direct light for best flowering.
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Fertilizer – Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Pruning – Lightly trim back new growth after flowering while plants are young to shape them.
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Overwintering – Move pots to a protected area if temperatures drop below 10°F. Avoid repotting in fall.
Growing Forsythia Indoors
Forsythias have a winter dormancy period so they do not make good permanent houseplants. It is best to keep them outdoors year round. You can bring potted plants into an unheated garage or porch for winter protection in cold climates.
Tips for Successful Forsythia Container Gardening
Follow these tips to grow vibrant forsythia in pots:
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Stick with compact cultivars suited to container growing.
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Use large containers with drainage holes.
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Plant in fertile, well-draining potting mix.
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Situate pots in full sun to encourage prolific flowering.
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Water frequently, never allowing pots to dry out completely.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer regularly during spring and summer.
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Prune lightly each year to control size and shape.
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Move containers to a sheltered spot for winter protection.
Showcase Forsythia’s Bright Blooms in Pots
With the right variety choices and care routines, you can successfully grow lovely forsythia shrubs in containers. Place pots on patios, decks, and entryways to highlight the vibrant golden-yellow blooms. Showcase them as specimens or combine with early bulbs and perennials. Getting the growing conditions and care right allows you to enjoy lively forsythia color even in small spaces.
How to take forsythia cuttings
1. Select healthy shoots of the current year’s growth, which is just starting to become woody, and take cuttings around 10 cm long. 2. Prepare by using a sharp, clean knife to cut just below a leaf joint and removing the leaves on the lower two-thirds of the shoot. 3. Dip the base of the cutting in hormone rooting powder and insert in pots of seed compost mixed with a little perlite or sharp sand. 4. Cover with polythene or place in a propagator and keep under cover in a warm spot out of direct sun until new growth appears. 5. Grow on in good light until well established. Transplant into larger individual pots and grow outside for around a year until sufficiently large to plant out.
How to propagate forsythia
Propagate forsythia by cuttings taken in mid to late summer, or by layering.
49 Best Shrubs for Containers | Best Container Gardening Plants
FAQ
Can forsythia be grown in containers?
Plant Forsythia bushes in a pot anytime during the spring, summer, or fall. Cuttings can be moved to a container when the roots are at least one inch long.Sep 1, 2022
Can you keep a forsythia small?
To keep Dwarf Forsythia in its smallest form by trimming them to the ground after bloom to encourage new growth and more flowers the next year! These shrubs also look great in their natural form, saving you time with pruning!
Can you plant forsythia in a planter?
Soil: Forsythia is tolerant of different soils, but performs best in rich, well-draining soil. For containers, use a high-quality all-purpose potting mix. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Where is the best place to plant a forsythia bush?
Grow forsythia in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. Keep watered for the first growing season until plants are established, and then mulch and feed annually.