Forsythia in October: monthly care

Forsythia thrives in full sun or partial shade, though flowering is most prolific in a sunny position. It tolerates a wide range of soils—loam, clay, and chalky types all suit it well—provided drainage is reasonable. Before planting, dig a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball and fork over the base to break up compacted soil. If your ground is heavy clay, work in some grit or coarse organic matter to improve structure, though forsythia is generally unfussy. Plant bare-root specimens in March, April, September, or October when the soil is workable and not frozen or waterlogged. Container-grown plants can go in during the same months, ideally avoiding the height of summer. Set the shrub at the same depth it was growing in the pot or nursery—you should see a soil mark on the stem as a guide. Space plants 240 cm apart if you're creating a hedge or informal screen; forsythia will eventually reach 200–300 cm in both height and spread, so give it room. Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, firming gently with your heel to eliminate air pockets, then water thoroughly to settle the roots. Apply a 5–7 cm layer of well-rotted compost or bark mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stems to prevent rot. Water again if the weather is dry over the following fortnight. Staking is rarely necessary unless the site is very exposed; forsythia establishes quickly and develops a sturdy framework on its own.