When to prune forsythia
Within about 3 weeks after flowers fade. Blooms on last year's stems; prune right after bloom and remove a few of the oldest canes at ground level.
| Type | shrub |
|---|---|
| Blooms on | old wood |
| Bloom season | early spring |
| When to prune | Within about 3 weeks after flowers fade |
| Stop | No heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost |
Avoid
Shearing into balls; winter pruning removes flowers.
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Sources
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension (Wisconsin Horticulture): Pruning Deciduous Shrubs
- Colorado State University Extension: Pruning Flowering Shrubs
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: Pruning Shrubs
Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.
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