border forsythia

Border Forsythia (Forsythia intermedia 'Mindor' SHOW OFF) should be watered regularly with about an inch of water per week, so that the soil can remain consistently moist. This species prefers cooler temperatures, so water once the top layer of soil has started to dry out. It is better to water less often but more deeply than to water frequently and lightly. As a rule, water early in the morning so that any excess moisture on the foliage can evaporate before nightfall and help reduce the risk of fungal diseases. If Border Forsythia is being grown in containers, focus on watering just the base of the plant to avoid any water accumulating in the tray which can drown the roots.

Border forsythia needs full sun to grow and will bloom best with 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. This species prefers moist, well-draining soil and does not tolerate either extreme wetness or dryness. Morning sun is especially beneficial, as it provides the plant with warmth which will help it develop new buds and blooms. Additionally, as the day progresses, plants in this species will start to become exposed to more light and therefore will receive more photosynthetically active radiation for their growth. When kept in optimal conditions, border forsythia will bloom yearly for an extended period of time.

Border Forsythia should be pruned at the end of winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Prune the stems back to the desired size and shape to keep it tidy and remove overcrowded or dead stems to promote air circulation and sunlight penetration. The ideal size should be 1/3 of the original size for the best flowering display. When pruning, cut the stems to about 4-5 inches from the ground for a nice, low cushion shape. Be sure to remove any dead or damaged stems, and do not prune more than 1 third of the stems from the shrub in a single session to avoid shock to the plant. If more pruning is needed, spread it out over multiple years.