The forsythia, also known as goldilocks, is mainly grown in the garden as a spring bloomer because of its many flowers. The rest of the garden year, the many green leaves provide good privacy. That is why the shrubs are also often planted as a forsythia hedge.

The forsythia only develops its leaves after flowering

The characteristics of the forsythia leaf

  • Uniformly green
  • With a small stem
  • Elongated to oval shape
  • Jagged on the edge
  • Arranged opposite
  • Up to six inches long

Forsythia are deciduous ornamental shrubs

In autumn, the leaves turn yellow or brown and then fall off. Since forsythia leaves are almost never attacked by pests, they can be used very well as mulch material and winter protection in the garden.

If it doesn't bother you, don't rake away the fallen leaves, but leave them under the bush. They form a good soil protection and provide the soil with additional nutrients.

First the flower, then the leaf

Forsythia shows a peculiarity in the development of the leaves. The leaves develop after the flowers. That's why the yellow blossom of the forsythia looks so bright.

Only when the flowering period is over do the new leaves appear on the buds on which flowers previously grew.

Leaf diseases of forsythia

Basically, the forsythia is very robust and resistant to diseases and pests. If the location is too wet, fungi will spread, causing the leaves to wilt and fall off prematurely.

If the leaves are punctured, there were most likely bugs in the plant. The harmless plant suckers prefer the juice of the leaves that have not yet unfolded. They suck the leaves and leave unsightly holes in the leaf.

But this is just a cosmetic flaw. The holes in the leaves do not harm the shrub. There is no such thing as prevention.

Limp drooping leaves

If the leaves of the forsythia hang limp, the forsythia is too dry. In this case, you should water the shrub or forsythia hedge. A mulch layer prevents the soil from drying out.

tips and tricks

If you want to grow a forsythia as a bonsai, the leaves play an important role. The tree is constantly pruned, but flower buds are spared so that new leaves can develop from them.

Category:

Vegetable garden