showy forsythia

Water showy forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia cvs.) deeply once every week during the growing season (early spring to late summer). Make sure the soil is evenly moist, but not soaked. Additionally, during exceptionally hot and/or dry weather, water the plant more frequently, such as twice a week. In the fall, reduce the frequency of watering to once a month or less. In the winter, stop watering entirely.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and will thrive in areas that receive at least 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It should be planted in a location that will get direct sun in the early morning, as this is when its blooms open up and benefit from the sun's warming rays. In areas of intense summer sunlight, shelter from the afternoon sun with dappled shade from trees will help keep the plants from wilting.

Showy forsythia should be pruned in late winter or very early spring before new growth emerges. Pruning should be limited to light shaping and removal of any dead wood. When pruning, selectively remove 1-third to 1-half of the oldest stems at ground level. Remove any shoots that have grown too large or out of place. Pruning any later in the season risks removing the flower buds that have already formed.