Forsythia in Summer and Fall: Foliage and Care After Spring Blooms

Forsythia shrubs burst into bright golden blooms in early spring, bringing cheer after winter. But what about care and interest after those flowers fade? Here’s an overview of forsythia’s appearance, needs, and maintenance during summer and into fall after spring flowering.

Forsythia Foliage in Summer

Once the spring floral display finishes, forsythia’s foliage takes center stage The leaves emerge shortly after the blooms drop. They are medium to dark green, with an oval shape and smooth texture

Depending on the variety, leaf margins may be:

• Entire – completely smooth edged without serrations
• Serrated – with jagged, coarse teeth along the edges

Leaf size ranges from 2-4 inches long. Forsythias are among the last shrubs to leaf out in spring. But the abundant foliage eventually creates a full, dense presence through summer.

Proper care during summer includes:

• Watering regularly the first year, then less frequently for established plants. Provide extra water during droughts.

• Applying an organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

• Pruning out any dead wood or branches after flowering.

• Fertilizing in late spring with a balanced, slow-release formula if needed.

• Watching for pests like aphids, scale, or mites and treating promptly if found.

With proper summer care, forsythia’s leaves remain an attractive medium green backdrop all season long.

Forsythia Foliage Color in Fall

While some shrubs have outstanding fall displays, forsythia’s autumn leaf color is generally poor. There are a few exceptions:

• Some varieties may turn pale yellowish hues in fall.

• Occasionally leaves take on reddish or purple tints before dropping.

• The cultivar ‘Spectabilis’ is known for having reliable apricot to burgundy fall color.

However, most types simply fade to an undistinguished yellowish or nondescript brown before falling. Forsythias also lack fall fruit, as the spent spring flowers give way to plain tan seed capsules.

So while forsythia itself lacks ornamental appeal in fall, its late-changing leaves can provide a colorful backdrop for plants like asters, mums, and ornamental grasses that shine this season.

Fall Care of Forsythia Shrubs

As temperatures cool in autumn, forsythia needs less care. But here are some tips for maintaining these shrubs into the fall:

• Hold off on fall fertilizing, which can spur tender new growth prone to winter damage.

• Continue watering during dry periods until hard freeze.

• Finish any pruning by early fall to avoid winter injury to new growth.

• Leave seed capsules on the plants over winter to provide bird food and visual interest.

• Apply winter mulch around the base after the ground freezes to insulate roots.

• Check for rabbit or deer damage on branch tips and protect with fencing if an issue.

With proper fall preparation, your forsythia will be ready for winter dormancy and an abundant flower display when spring returns again.

Popular Forsythia Varieties

There are many cultivars to choose from if you want reliable forsythia performance during all seasons:

• ‘Lynwood Gold’ – hardy buds, bright yellow spring flowers, good fall color

• ‘Meadowlark’ – very hardy buds, large size, pale yellow blooms

• ‘New Hampshire Gold’ – compact form, hardy buds, yellow spring blooms

• ‘Northern Gold’ – very hardy buds, bright yellow flowers, leathery foliage

• ‘Northern Sun’ – hardy buds, abundant medium yellow blooms, good fall color

• ‘Gold Tide’ – low mounding form, pale yellow flowers, smaller foliage

• ‘Gold Cluster’ – compact habit, very hardy buds, butter yellow blooms

Consider bloom time, growing zones, mature size, and foliage when selecting varieties. Check for hardy flower buds to ensure spring blooms in your climate.

Enjoying Forsythia’s Seasonal Interest

Known for their spectactular spring display, forsythias also contribute handsome foliage for summer and beyond. Follow these tips for care and maintenance each season:

Spring:

• Water well after planting and during any dry periods.

• Prune immediately after flowering.

• Remove spent blooms to highlight new foliage.

Summer:

• Water regularly the first year, then only during droughts.

• Apply organic mulch around the base.

• Watch for pests and treat any found invaders promptly.

Fall:

• Discontinue fertilizing to slow new growth.

• Water into fall during dry weather.

• Finish pruning by early fall.

• Scout for rabbit or deer damage.

Choosing disease-resistant varieties suited to your growing zone will provide stellar flower production in spring, attractive greenery through summer, and reliable performance into fall. With proper care for each season, forsythia’s they’ll provide striking beauty from bloom through foliage.