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 The early-blooming and free-flowing forsythia, if
managed like a hedge, portrays a strict military appearance,
complete with a crew cut and almost flowerless display. Prompted by
their massive sprawling nature, many gardeners and homeowners
attempt to tame these beasts by midseason, relegating next season’s
blooms to the compost pile. With proper pruning, both the timing and
the technique, the stunning showcase of these spring bloomers can
return next season.
A gardener’s acceptance of the wild nature of forsythia or the mass
of lilac is the first step to improved flowering. Often these plants
are managed with the mindset of shaping coleus or petunia. With
pruners in hand, the gardener mimics pinching back, attempting to
shape these shrubs into a perfect mold. Sometimes this shaping is
motivated by maintaining the large shrubs in a small space. If the
shrub does not have the space to branch out, it should be replaced
with a smaller shrub.
How to Prune Forsythia and Lilacs
For the health of the plant, and to promote impressive floral
display, forsythia and lilac branches should be pruned out at the
base of the plant. It is best to remove 1/3 of the older branches
every few years, within the two weeks following flowering.
For overgrown, unpruned shrubs, complete renewal pruning in one
season by cutting back all branches within 6 inches of the ground.
Regular pruning of lilacs is very important for disease management —
a host of diseases can be prevented by increasing airflow with
regular pruning and branch removal.
How to Force Blooms
With proper placement and pruning, these show-stopping shrubs will
provide an extended season of joyous flowers. Display the heralds of
spring on your breakfast table, pre- and post-flowering by forcing
blooms of forsythia or harvesting lilacs from your cutback.
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How to Force Bloom Forsythia
With buds formed the previous season, a late-winter forsythia has
experienced the necessary cold treatment to erupt into flowers come
warmer temperatures. With simple preparation, your warm kitchen will
soon host sunny, yellow flowers!
1. Prune individual branches to the base of the plant. Select
branches with plump round flowers buds rather than leaf buds.
2. Submerge cut ends in cool water (60°F) and cover with a plastic
bag. Warmer water may cause flowers to distort.
3. Remove bag when flower buds open in 7 to 10 days. Change water
every 2 to 3 days.
4. Arrange flowers in your favorite vase. Continue to freshen water
every couple days.
How to Force Bloom Lilacs
When preparing for the great cutback of your lilac, prepare pruning
tools and equipment for a harvest. Then, follow these simple steps
to extend the lilacs blooming season in an arrangement, using your
favorite vase.
1. Cut your flowers in the morning when they are full of water.
2. Condition blooms by removing foliage and submerging stems in a
bucket of cool water for 1 hour.
3. After conditioning, recut stem ends and split stem ends
vertically (1-inch-long split).
4. To ensure the longevity of your flowers, change the water daily
and use floral food.
[SOURCE: Kelly Allsup, University of
Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator |
