Forsythia Hedge (Forsythia intermedia 'Lynwood Gold')

Forsythia Plants Description

Forsythia × intermedia 'Lynwood Gold' is a deciduous flowering shrub from the olive family (Oleaceae), known for its arching branches and vivid yellow flowers.

Unlike evergreen hedging plants, it loses its leaves in autumn, with its bare branches providing the backdrop for its early spring display.

The flowers appear on the previous season's growth, often before the new leaves emerge. Once flowering has finished, fresh green foliage develops and provides screening through spring and summer. The flowers can also provide an early source of food for pollinating insects.

Its naturally arching form gives Forsythia a softer, informal appearance than tightly clipped hedging. It can be planted on its own or combined with other deciduous species in a mixed hedge, and regular pruning can be used to control its size and shape.

Forsythia grows in a range of well-drained soils and performs best in a sunny position, although it can tolerate partial shade.

Pruning Advice

Forsythia should be pruned immediately after flowering. This gives the plant time to produce new growth that can mature and carry flowers the following spring.

For established plants, cut back flowered shoots to strong, healthy growth lower down the plant. Remove a few of the oldest stems from the base each year to encourage fresh shoots and prevent the hedge from becoming overcrowded.

Young Forsythia plants require little pruning while they establish. Remove any dead, damaged or badly positioned branches after flowering, then begin shaping the hedge as the plants develop.

Avoid heavy pruning later in the year, as this can remove the previous season's growth and reduce flowering the following spring.

Further Information

Forsythia Hedge plants are available as pot-grown plants in a range of sizes. Planting density depends on the size of the plants selected, with smaller plants generally requiring more plants per metre than larger specimens.

For the current range, we recommend 5 plants per metre for 20/40cm plants and 4–5 plants per metre for 60/80cm plants.
Forsythia is best planted in well-drained soil and should be watered thoroughly after planting. Keep newly planted hedges well watered while they establish, particularly during dry periods.

For the best flowering performance, choose a position with good sunlight. Forsythia can tolerate partial shade, although flowering may be reduced compared with plants grown in full sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Forsythia suitable for hedging?

Yes. Forsythia has an upright, bushy habit with arching branches and is well suited to informal hedging, screening and mixed-species hedges.

Is Forsythia evergreen?

No. Forsythia is a deciduous hedge plant, so it loses its leaves in autumn and remains bare through winter.

How quickly does Forsythia grow?

Our Forsythia Hedge plants have an average growth rate of approximately 20–40cm per year, although actual growth can vary depending on growing conditions and establishment.

How tall does Forsythia grow?

Forsythia Hedge plants can be maintained at approximately 1–3m with regular pruning, depending on the requirements of the planting area.

When should Forsythia be pruned?

Forsythia should be pruned immediately after flowering. Pruning later in the year can remove growth that would otherwise produce flowers the following spring.

Does Forsythia flower every year?

Established Forsythia plants can produce their characteristic yellow flowers each spring when grown in suitable conditions and pruned at the correct time. Heavy or late pruning can reduce flowering in the following year.

Delivery & Returns

We offer free delivery within 50 miles of our nursery, making it easy to have your Forsythia hedge plants delivered directly to your property within our local delivery area.

Delivery outside the 50-mile area may be available depending on your location and order. If you are unsure whether your address falls within the 50-mile area, please contact us before ordering.

All plants are carefully prepared for delivery and are covered by our 12-month plant guarantee, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.