Caring for Lynwood Gold Forsythia Bushes in the Winter Months

The Lynwood Gold Forsythia is beloved by gardeners for its cheery yellow blooms announcing spring’s arrival But this rugged deciduous shrub also has appealing attributes in winter, when its arching bare branches and purple-tinted bark add structure and interest to the landscape. With proper care, your Lynwood Gold Forsythias will thrive season after season

Appearance in Winter

When winter arrives, the Lynwood Gold Forsythia transitions to its dormant period. Here’s what to expect:

• Leaves drop in fall, leaving branches bare.

• Bark takes on a deep purple-red hue in cold weather.

• Graceful arching branches are prominent without foliage.

• Flower buds set in fall remain dormant waiting for spring.

• Form is vase-shaped and upright, growing 6-10 feet tall/wide at maturity.

While no longer in leaf, the Forsythia’s exfoliating bark and intricate branching habit give the winter garden visual appeal and texture.

Pruning in Winter

Early winter is the optimal time to prune your Lynwood Gold Forsythias. Here are tips for proper pruning:

• Wait to prune until plants are fully dormant in late fall/early winter.

• Remove dead, damaged, and crossed branches at the base with sharp pruners.

• Selectively thin interior growth to open up thickets and improve air circulation.

• Prune for shape by cutting back longer whips and straggly branches.

• Remove about 1/3 of the oldest branches near ground level to rejuvenate.

• Take out suckers sprouting from the root system.

Pruning stimulates new growth and abundant flowering in spring. Disinfect tools between plants to prevent disease spread.

Watering Needs

Even while dormant, Forsythias need some winter watering:

• Water every 3-4 weeks if little rain/snow occurs, providing 1-2 inches of moisture.

• Check soil moisture; water if top few inches become dry. Don’t let roots dehydrate.

• Water on sunny days when temperatures are above 40°F to prevent roots from freezing.

• Reduce frequency once plants start flowering in early spring.

Adequate winter water prevents drought stress and desiccation damage. Healthy roots ensure your shrubs leaf out vigorously in spring.

Protecting from Weather

While hardy down to zone 5, extreme cold can damage Forsythia twigs and flower buds:

• Wrap trunks of younger plants with insulation wrap to guard against freeze injury.

• Paint trunks with white latex paint diluted with water to reflect sunlight and prevent bark cracking.

• After a heavy, wet snow, gently brush off accumulation to avoid broken branches.

• Place evergreen boughs or fabric over shrubs to shield from bitter winds and intense sun.

• Avoid excessive mulching, which keeps soil warm and promotes premature growth susceptible to frost damage.

• Hold off on pruning until spring after the worst cold passes.

Sheltering your Forsythias from harsh elements preserves flower buds for the next blooming season.

Checking for Issues

Even when leafless, keep an eye out for any problems:

• Watch for cankers (sunken lesions) on branches and prune them out promptly.

• Scan for egg sacs from leaf-eating insects and remove to control pests.

• Look for webbing, frass, or cocoons signaling moth or sawfly larvae and apply insecticidal soap.

• Monitor for yellowing, stunted growth or dieback that could indicate root problems.

• Mark vines like Oriental bittersweet growing on plants and untangle them later.

• Saturate ant hills under shrubs to deter damage from tunneling.

Detecting issues early allows treatment before specimens weaken or pest infestations worsen.

Spring Care Tips

Once freezing temperatures have passed in early spring:

• Apply dormant oil spray to smother overwintering insects and eggs.

• Top dress with fresh compost around the root zone, but avoid mulching.

• Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release formula as growth resumes.

• Set up a irrigation schedule if rainfall is lacking. Forsythias need moist soil.

• Weed carefully around plants, since spring growth is tender and easily damaged.

With conscientious care during the off-season, your Lynwood Gold Forsythias will flourish year after year, brightening your landscape with their vibrant golden blooms.