Veseys

Gardeners’ Forum: “Forsythia”

• Forsythia

  Posted by Paddy on Thursday, August 28, 2008 8:17 AM ADT

  Hello, would any one know if it would be safe to cut a big old Forsythia shrub down to the ground? I would like to do it this Fall. I'm afraid of shocking it. Thanks in advance

  • re: Forsythia

    Posted by Diane on Saturday, September 6, 2008 11:56 AM ADT

    It would be best to wait until Spring if possible. Forsythia is tough. It might make it. However, it has new growth in Spring, right after flowering. Late March or April would likely be safer.

  • re: Forsythia

    Posted by Amanda Brown on Saturday, November 8, 2008 9:01 PM AST

    I would cut about 1/3 of the oldest stems to the ground. I would repeat this process every year, until all the old stems have been removed. This will allow the light to penetrate the base of the shrub and promote new growth. You can do this any time of the year, however I would do it right after flowering next spring so you don't lose the show. Cutting the entire thing down will put it in shock. By doing it over a period of years, you will rejuvenate it without killing it. When you have new growth, only keep the strong stems and thin out all straggly growth. This will keep the Forsythia healthy for the rest of it's life.