October Is A Great Time To Plant This Low-Maintenance Perennial
October is a great time for planting perennials. The moderate temperatures and often frequent rains that autumn is known for help plants get established without too much stress. Knowing that you have a flourishing spring landscape in just a few months can also help to make cold and dreary winters more bearable. One of the best shrubs to consider adding during this time is the beautiful forsythia. Not only are forsythias easy to care for, but they also add stunning early spring color to gardens and landscapes.
Forsythias are beloved for their early blooms, which usually pop up in mid-April, and their association with spring's arrival. Their flowers are hard to miss thanks to their bright yellow color and the fact that they bloom before the shrubs even begin to leaf out. The cheery blooms are a great way to bring color back into your landscape after a long winter and put a smile on the face of anyone who sees them.
Where to plant forsythias in fall for bright spring flowers
Forsythias are native to Southern Europe and parts of Eastern Asia. They're hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, but flower best in zones 5 through 9. Before planting your forsythia, be sure to find a good spot for it. While forsythias are not overly picky about their soil, they grow best in areas with good drainage. For the best blooms, find your forsythia a full sun location, though the shrubs can also tolerate part shade.
While forsythias aren't challenging to care for, they do require pruning. Just be sure to prune immediately after they finish flowering, as the shrubs bloom on old wood. Forsythias can range in size from 3 feet to around 10 feet, depending on the specific species. So even small yards likely have space for at least one or two of these beauties. For the most attractive spring garden, consider pairing your forsythia with other plants that thrive in similar conditions. Shrubs that stay green all winter can provide a brilliant backdrop for forsythias' early spring display. You can also pair your forsythia with bulbs like crocuses for a gorgeous garden come spring.