Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
The bright yellow flowers of the forsythia, also known as goldbells, are the epitome of spring for many hobby gardeners. But the flowers of the forsythia are not free, but only with the right cut.
In a nutshell
- Regular trimming is essential for staying healthy
- Radical cut may be unavoidable
- Especially to rejuvenate senile and older plants
- Left uncut for a long time, there is a risk of becoming wild and bare
- Radical cut - necessity
This shrub has the property of forming the new shoots in the middle of the bush between the older ones. Side shoots will later form on these shoots. The branches bend outwards and new shoots also appear at the highest point. The result is a broom-like growth form, the forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia) is very wide and bare from below, a radical cut is unavoidable.
Tip: A radical cut generally serves to rejuvenate and rebuild the forsythia. It is also possible to sit on the stick.
The right time
The best time for severe pruning of the goldbell is in winter or in spring between May and June or directly after flowering and before new buds are planted.
- End of flowering also depends on the weather
- depending on the region already mid/end of April possible
- By pruning back in spring, forsythia can develop new shoots
- then bloom the following spring
- Heavy pruning not recommended in autumn
- Blossoming shoots would also be removed
- Forsythia lays buds on last year's wood
- There would be no flowering the following year
Despite everything, it is basically possible to radically cut back overaged forsythia in autumn. At best, only old and dead shoots are removed in autumn.
Tip: For any pruning measures, the specifications of the Federal Nature Conservation Act regarding nesting and breeding times of the birds must be taken into account. By law, shrubs may not be trimmed between March 1st and September 30th.
Radical cut - instructions
A radical cut is carried out in particular to rejuvenate or to cut older forsythia as well as in the event of fungal or disease infestation and non-flowering. The plants need this heavy pruning to regenerate. After such a radical pruning, the first flowers usually appear after two or three years at the earliest. If necessary, you can also put old, senile plants on the stick. But how do you go about making a radical cut?
- Cut back the entire plant to about 30 cm, or spread the cut over two to three years.
- You should leave four or five strong, young shoots untouched.
- All other shoots can be cut down to a few centimeters above the ground.
- You should skip the usual pruning after flowering.
- In the following late winter you can cut back four to five shoots from the previous year close to the ground.
- Do not forget to remove thin and poorly developed shoots as well.
- Remaining shoots can be shortened to build a new crown.
- For better branching, remaining shoots should be pruned to different heights.
Tip: In some cases, a maintenance cut can also be more severe, especially if the forsythia has grown particularly extensively. Then you cut them back heavily at least every three years.
frequently asked Questions
How can you prevent aging or baldness?As a rule, this can only be avoided by regular pruning measures according to appropriate instructions, in particular with a thinning and maintenance cut every two years, during which u. a good third of the old shoots are completely removed.
Can you also make a radical cut on a forsythia hedge?To rejuvenate a forsythia hedge, you should trim it two or three times a year. In order to make it easier to remove the clippings later, it can make sense to spread out a tarpaulin, foil or similar under the hedge before cutting.
Can the clippings be used to propagate forsythia?Both cuttings and sticks can be obtained from the clippings. Slightly lignified shoots are used for cuttings and fully lignified shoots for cuttings. Both should be found in the clippings.
Is this tree poisonous and if so, for whom?All parts of forsythia contain several slightly toxic ingredients. Despite everything, it only becomes dangerous when parts of the plant are eaten or swallowed. In addition, contact with sensitive people can cause skin irritation. It is best to wear gloves when cutting. The risk of poisoning in pets only exists if individual parts of the plant are eaten.
What tools are required for these cutting measures?The choice of tools depends on the size and age of the plant to be cut. Secateurs easily cut smaller branches up to 25mm in diameter. Bypass shears, which have two sharp blades that enable precise cuts, are suitable for fresh, soft wood. An anvil shears can be used for dry and hard wood that requires a lot of effort. Pruning shears are suitable for thicker branches.