Forsythias are one of the few flowering shrubs that bloom before they leaf-out. The bright yellow flowers are, therefore, not diluted by the presence of leaves.
Spring flowering shrubs, such as Forsythias, should be pruned after they have flowered. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches, followed by crossing branches. If it is necessary to reduce the size of the shrub, prune back to an outward-facing bud. This will create an open-structured shrub. Over time, the shrub may become extremely dense with branches; at this time, prune the oldest branches down to the ground. This pruning method will allow the gracefully arching shape of your shrub to be maintained.
Most varieties of Forsythias grow 5 to 7 feet tall, with an equal spread. They should be covered with flowers from the ground to the tip of the branches each spring. If your shrub is only blooming on the bottom few feet, it is an indication that your variety of Forsythia is not hardy enough for its location. The flower buds on the bottom portion of the shrub have been insulated by the snow (and therefore result in a bloom), while the exposed buds on the rest of the shrub are damaged by extreme low temperatures. You can protect these exposed buds by wrapping the whole shrub in burlap in the fall - or better yet, plant a hardier variety! Lynwood Gold, Meadowlark, Northern Gold, and Ottawa Early Forsythia are four of the hardiest varieties available.
Nannyberry shrub produces small white flowers in flat-topped clusters in late spring. The fruits are edible blue-black clusters fall. The fall foliage color is red and the lower branches root where they touch the ground. Nannyberry is a large shrub border to add that special lawn or landscape. It also is a large shrub to block wind during windy months. Nannyberry shrub is a great addition to your flower bed with great colors that will give. It will provide you with beautiful white flowers in spring and summer and beautiful red leaves in autumn.
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