The Lynwood Gold forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia ‘Lynwood Gold’) is a popular deciduous flowering shrub known for its vibrant golden yellow blooms in early spring. While this plant shines in spring, proper care during the winter months is crucial to ensure your Lynwood Gold forsythias survive the cold and re-bloom beautifully next year. In this article, we’ll explore the key steps for overwintering your Lynwood Gold forsythia bushes.

Understanding the Plant in Winter

When winter arrives, the Lynwood Gold forsythia transitions into dormancy and drops its leaves Here’s what to expect

• Leaf drop occurs in fall, leaving branches bare.

• Bark takes on a deep reddish-purple hue in cold conditions.

• Prominent arching branches remain, providing structure.

• Flower buds set the prior fall stay dormant until spring blooming.

• Growth habit is upright and vase-shaped, reaching 6-10 feet tall and wide at maturity

Though leafless, the exfoliating bark and graceful branching of the dormant forsythia lend attractive form and texture to the winter landscape.

Pruning Tips

Pruning your Lynwood Gold forsythia in early winter is recommended. Here are some guidelines:

• Wait to prune until plants are fully dormant in late fall or early winter.

• Remove dead, damaged, and crossed branches back to the base using sharp bypass pruners.

• Selectively thin out crowded interior growth to improve air flow.

• Prune to shape the plant by cutting back long, unruly shoots.

• Rejuvenate older plants by removing about 1/3 of the oldest branches near ground level.

• Eliminate any suckers growing from the root system.

• Disinfect pruning tools between plants to prevent disease transmission.

Proper pruning stimulates vigorous new growth and abundant flowering in spring.

Providing Winter Water

Continue watering your Lynwood Gold forsythia during its dormant period:

• Water deeply once every 3-4 weeks if rainfall is scarce, applying about 1-2 inches of moisture.

• Check soil—water if the top few inches become dry to prevent desiccation.

• Water on sunny days when temperatures are above 40°F to keep roots from freezing.

• Reduce watering frequency in early spring as growth resumes.

Adequate winter water keeps roots hydrated and healthy. This ensures your shrubs leaf out robustly when spring arrives.

Protecting from Winter Damage

While generally cold hardy, extreme low temperatures can injure Lynwood Gold forsythia twigs and flower buds:

• Wrap trunks of younger plants with insulation to guard against freeze damage.

• Paint trunks with white latex paint diluted with water to reflect sunlight and prevent bark splitting.

• Gently remove heavy snow accumulation to avoid broken branches.

• Shield plants from intense winds and sun using burlap or evergreen boughs.

• Avoid excessive mulching, which can promote premature growth vulnerable to frost.

• Hold off on pruning until after the worst cold passes in spring.

Sheltering your forsythias from harsh weather will help safeguard the flower buds for the next blooming cycle.

Checking for Issues

It’s important to monitor dormant plants for any problems:

• Watch for cankers (sunken lesions) on branches and remove promptly.

• Inspect for pest egg masses and remove them to control infestations.

• Look for signs of larvae like webbing, chewing damage, frass, or cocoons.

• Note any unexplained yellowing, stunting, dieback, or decline.

• Untangle vines growing on shrubs and clear away ant hills.

Detecting issues early allows you to take corrective action before the plants weaken further.

Spring Care for Robust Growth

Once the threat of freezing weather has passed in early spring:

• Apply dormant oil spray to smother overwintering insects and eggs.

• Top dress around plants with fresh compost, avoiding mulch.

• Fertilize to nourish emerging growth using a balanced slow-release formula.

• Set up regular irrigation if rainfall is insufficient.

• Weed carefully around plants—new growth is easily damaged.

With proper care throughout winter and early spring, your Lynwood Gold forsythias will thrive, rewarding you with an abundant display of golden-yellow blooms.

Key Steps for Winterizing Lynwood Gold Forsythia

Caring for your Lynwood Gold forsythia during the dormant season is crucial for its winter survival and spring rejuvenation. Here is a quick summary of the key winter care tips:

• Prune in early winter to remove dead branches, thin growth, and rejuvenate older plants.

• Water 1-2 inches per month during winter if rainfall is scarce to prevent root dehydration.

• Protect from extreme cold and winds using burlap, tree wrap, paint, or evergreen boughs.

• Check for pest issues, cankers, or decline and take corrective action promptly.

• Apply dormant oil spray in early spring to smother overwintering insects.

• Fertilize and irrigate in spring as growth resumes.

FAQs about Caring for Lynwood Gold Forsythia in Winter

If you’re new to growing Lynwood Gold forsythia, you may have some questions about how to care for it during the dormant season. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How cold hardy is Lynwood Gold forsythia?

Lynwood Gold forsythia is quite cold tolerant, rated for USDA zones 5-8. It can withstand winter temperatures down to -20°F once established.

When should I prune my Lynwood Gold forsythia?

Prune in late fall after plants drop leaves or in early spring before new growth starts. Avoid pruning in mid-winter.

Does forsythia need winter watering?

Yes, continue watering every few weeks during winter if rainfall is scarce. This prevents root desiccation.

Should I fertilize forsythia in winter?

No, avoid fertilizing in fall and winter. Wait to fertilize until spring growth resumes.

How do I protect potted forsythias in winter?

Move containers to a sheltered spot. Wrap or cover pots. Add extra mulch. Water when soil is partly dry.

What causes branch dieback on my forsythia?

Dieback is often from extreme cold. Prune out dead sections back to healthy wood. Improve winter protection.

Properly caring for your Lynwood Gold forsythias through the winter is key to ensuring they survive the dormant season and produce abundant flowers in spring. Follow these tips to overwinter your plants successfully.

In winter, Forsythia shrubs appear as a collection of bare, brown or tan, arching stems. They lose their leaves in the fall and remain dormant until spring.