Few plants root as quickly as forsythia. This is noticeable when you put a forsythia branch in the vase. Small roots can be seen after a short time. What else you should know about the roots of forsythia.

Forsythia form long shoots that can take root on the ground

Overhanging shoots also form roots

Some forsythia cultivars form long shoots that curve outward. If they come into contact with soil, they take root quickly.

You can separate the shoots. This gives you offshoots that you can place elsewhere.

If the forsythia is by the pond, the shoots will even root when the tips reach into the water.

Root formation in cuttings and sinkers

Forsythia can be propagated very easily using cuttings and sinkers. Small roots grow very quickly on the cuttings where buds for the flowers and later leaves were left on the shoot.

Even with sinkers, you can be sure that roots will quickly form in the individual sections. Cut the shoot beforehand.

Dig up roots when transplanting
To transplant a forsythia, you need to get the root ball out of the ground as much as possible. This is associated with older copies with a lot of effort.

Often there is nothing left but to cut off part of the roots with a hatchet or saw.

You may even need a backhoe to transplant large forsythia bushes.

Cut the roots of bonsai and potted plants

If the forsythia is grown as a bonsai or in a bucket, you must repot the shrub every year if possible or at least put it in fresh soil.

This is a good opportunity to prune the root ball to make the shrub grow more compact.

  • Take the forsythia out of the pot
  • shake off earth
  • Cut off protruding roots with scissors
  • Plant in new soil

Forsythia roots do not tolerate waterlogging

Always plant forsythia in well-drained soil. When waterlogged, the roots rot. The soil must not be too dry either. You may need to water more frequently or apply a layer of mulch.

tips and tricks

Root residues that remain in the ground when the shrub is transplanted or removed often sprout again later. Therefore, remove the root system as thoroughly as possible.

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