Forsythia x intermedia
shrubZones 5–8deer resistantOne of the first shrubs to bloom in spring with brilliant yellow flowers covering bare branches. Fast-growing and carefree. A reliable harbinger of spring.
Forsythia blooms on old wood. Prune within 2 weeks of bloom ending. Remove 1/3 of oldest stems at ground level.
If shrub is outgrowing its space, thin selectively. Avoid shearing into a ball -- it ruins the arching form.
Flower buds are already set for spring. Fall pruning removes blooms.
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