Forsythia is a classic spring flowering shrub that is beloved for its vibrant yellow blooms. This hardy plant can bring cheery color to gardens hedges and borders when planted in the landscape. But can you successfully grow forsythia in pots and containers?
The answer is yes! With the right variety selection proper planting techniques, and attentive care forsythia can thrive when grown in pots. Containers allow you to showcase the shrub’s gorgeous golden display on decks, patios, and entryways.
Choosing the Best Forsythia Varieties for Pots
Different types of forsythia grow to be very different sizes when they’re fully grown, from huge 10 foot shrubs to dwarf varieties that are only 3 feet tall. Forsythia that grows to be only 2 to 4 feet tall is best for containers. Look for dwarf, miniature, or compact types.
Some excellent compact forsythia varieties for pots include:
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Forsythia ‘Minigold’ – Grows only 2-3 feet tall. Produces masses of bright yellow blooms.
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Forsythia ‘Fiesta’ – Compact grower to about 1 meter tall. Profuse flowering.
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Forsythia ‘Meadowlark’ – A dwarf variety reaching just 2-4 feet Features dense flowering and deep green foliage.
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Forsythia ‘Bronxensis’ is an ultradwarf tree that grows to be only 1 to 2 feet tall. Blooms heavily in spring.
Stick with compact forsythia cultivars described as miniature, dwarf, or ideal for container growing. This helps keep the plants sized appropriately for pots.
Selecting the Right Container
Choose a container that is slightly larger, about 2-4 inches wider, than the forsythia’s root ball. This gives the roots some room to expand while still limiting excessive growth.
For most dwarf varieties, start with a 10-14 inch diameter pot. Rectangular and oval planters also work well. Make sure pots have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
Choose big, stable pots that won’t fall over when the shrub is fully grown. Plastic, ceramic, concrete, metal, and wood pots all work great.
Follow Proper Planting Methods
Forsythias prefer moist but well-draining soil. If you’re planting in pots, use a good potting mix that has been mixed with compost or other organic matter. You can also create a custom soil blend.
Set new forsythia plants at the same level they were growing in the nursery pot. Gently firm the soil without excessive compaction. Keep the soil consistently moist after planting to encourage establishment.
Caring for Potted Forsythia Plants
While easy to grow, container forsythias need a bit more care than landscape plants:
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Watering – Check soil daily and water when the top few inches become dry. Don’t let pots completely dry out.
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Sun – Place in full sun to part sun. Forsythias need at least 6 hours of direct light for best flowering.
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Fertilizer – Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Pruning – Lightly trim back new growth after flowering while plants are young to shape them.
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Overwintering – Move pots to a protected area if temperatures drop below 10°F. Avoid repotting in fall.
Growing Forsythia Indoors
Forsythias have a winter dormancy period so they do not make good permanent houseplants. It is best to keep them outdoors year round. You can bring potted plants into an unheated garage or porch for winter protection in cold climates.
Tips for Successful Forsythia Container Gardening
Follow these tips to grow vibrant forsythia in pots:
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Stick with compact cultivars suited to container growing.
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Use large containers with drainage holes.
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Plant in fertile, well-draining potting mix.
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Situate pots in full sun to encourage prolific flowering.
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Water frequently, never allowing pots to dry out completely.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer regularly during spring and summer.
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Prune lightly each year to control size and shape.
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Move containers to a sheltered spot for winter protection.
Showcase Forsythia’s Bright Blooms in Pots
With the right variety choices and care routines, you can successfully grow lovely forsythia shrubs in containers. Place pots on patios, decks, and entryways to highlight the vibrant golden-yellow blooms. Showcase them as specimens or combine with early bulbs and perennials. Getting the growing conditions and care right allows you to enjoy lively forsythia color even in small spaces.
How to take forsythia cuttings
1. Select healthy shoots of the current year’s growth, which is just starting to become woody, and take cuttings around 10 cm long. 2. To get ready, cut the shoot just below a leaf joint with a clean, sharp knife and take off the leaves on the bottom two-thirds of the stem. 3. Put the cutting in pots of seed compost mixed with a little perlite or sharp sand and cover the base of it with hormone rooting powder. 4. Cover with polythene or place in a propagator and keep under cover in a warm spot out of direct sun until new growth appears. 5. Grow on in good light until well established. Transplant into larger individual pots and grow outside for around a year until sufficiently large to plant out.
How to propagate forsythia
Propagate forsythia by cuttings taken in mid to late summer, or by layering.
49 Best Shrubs for Containers | Best Container Gardening Plants
FAQ
Can forsythia be grown in containers?
Plant Forsythia bushes in a pot anytime during the spring, summer, or fall. Cuttings can be moved to a container when the roots are at least one inch long. Sep 1, 2022.
Can you keep a forsythia small?
To keep Dwarf Forsythia in its smallest form by trimming them to the ground after bloom to encourage new growth and more flowers the next year! These shrubs also look great in their natural form, saving you time with pruning!.
Can you plant forsythia in a planter?
Soil: Forsythia is tolerant of different soils, but performs best in rich, well-draining soil. For containers, use a high-quality all-purpose potting mix. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Where is the best place to plant a forsythia bush?
Grow forsythia in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. Keep watered for the first growing season until plants are established, and then mulch and feed annually.