Table of Contents
- The right time
- Radical cut - instructions
- frequently asked Questions
The bright yellow flowers of the forsythia, also known as gold bells, are the epitome of spring for many hobby gardeners. However, the forsythia does not give flowers for free, only with the right cut.
In a nutshell
- Regular cut is essential to maintain health
- Radical cut may be unavoidable
- Especially to rejuvenate aged and older plants
- Long uncut there is a risk of wilderness and baldness
- Radical cut - a necessity
This wood has the property of forming the new shoots in the middle of the shrub between the older ones. Later, side shoots form on these shoots. The branches lean outwards and new shoots also emerge at the top point. The result is a broom-like growth habit, the Forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia) is very wide and bald from below, a radical cut is inevitable.
Tip: A radical cut is generally used to rejuvenate the forsythia, to rebuild it. It is also possible to sit on the stick.
The right time
The best time to cut back the golden bell is in winter or spring between May and June or right after the
blossom and before the new buds are planted.- End of flowering also dependent on the weather
- possible as early as mid / end of April, depending on the region
- by pruning in spring, forsythia can develop new shoots
- then bloom in the following spring
- strong pruning not recommended in autumn
- Shoots bearing flowers would also be removed
- Forsythia buds on the wood of the previous year
- There would be no flowering in the following year
In spite of everything, it is in principle possible to radically cut back overaged forsythias in autumn as well. At best, only remove old and dead shoots in autumn.
Tip: The requirements of the Federal Nature Conservation Act with regard to nesting and Breeding seasons of birds to consider. According to the law, bushes between 1. March and 30. September not be blended.
Radical cut - instructions
A radical cut is particularly useful for rejuvenation or rejuvenation. to cut older Forsythia as well as in the event of fungal or disease infestation and failure to flower. The plants need this strong cut in order to be able to regenerate. After such a radical cut, the first flowers usually appear after two or three years at the earliest. If necessary, you can also put old, aged plants on the cane. But how do you go about a radical cut?
- To cut The entire plant to approx. Back 30 cm, or spread the cut over two to three years.
- You should leave four or five strong, still young shoots untouched.
- You can cut all other shoots down sharply, to a few centimeters above the ground.
- You should skip the usual pruning after flowering.
- In the late winter that follows, you can cut back four to five shoots from the previous year close to the ground.
- Don't 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 cut to different heights.
Tip: In some cases, a maintenance cut can be stronger, especially if the forsythia has grown particularly excessive. Then you cut them back sharply at least every three years.
frequently asked Questions
As a rule, this can only be avoided by regular pruning measures in accordance with appropriate instructions, in particular with a thinning and maintenance pruning every two years. a. a third of the old shoots are completely removed.
To rejuvenate a forsythia hedge, it should be pruned two or three times a year. In order to make it easier to remove the clippings later, it can be useful to spread a tarpaulin, foil or similar under the hedge before cutting.
Both cuttings and cuttings can be obtained from the clippings. Slightly lignified shoot pieces are used for cuttings and completely lignified shoot pieces for cuttings. Both should be found in the clippings.
The forsythia contains several slightly toxic ingredients in all parts. In spite of everything, it only becomes dangerous when parts of the plant are consumed or be swallowed. In addition, skin irritation can occur in sensitive people after contact. It is best to wear gloves when cutting. There is also only a risk of poisoning in pets when they consume individual parts of the plant.
The choice of tools depends on the size and age of the plant to be cut. Secateurs can easily cut smaller branches with a diameter of up to 25 mm. Bypass scissors, which have two sharp blades that enable precise cuts, are suitable for fresh, soft wood. Anvil scissors can be used for dry and hard wood that requires a lot of effort. Loppers are suitable for thicker branches.
