Forsytia Cutting back

[Cazz]

Can anyone help my Forsythia is really leggy as the tree it was growing beneath had to be cut down. Is now the time to do it when flowers are gone and it is just in leaf?

How much can you cut back I don't want to damage it ?

Thanks

Cazz

[red devil]

The ideal time to prune is just after flowering, but before the new leaf appears.

If you take out the new leaf be prepared not to have any flowers next year.

If it's been neglected then it will probably benefit from a 'rejuvenation' pruning, i.e. cutting it right back...

[The Minkey]

I have been very savage with the forsythia in my garden. It was very leggy when I inherited it and I didn't much appreciate it, but now it's under control, it's much more floriferous and a lovely presence in the garden. The flowers grow on old wood, at least a year old apparently. I use shears and shape it up as soon as the green shoots start going wild, and again as needed through the year, same as the privet hedges.

[uncleglen]

I always cut mine back a couple of times through the summer and it always flowers.

[ratty]

It's a weed ffs. Be vicious!

[Sue]

Forsythia is tough as old boots.

Hack it right back now and it will be fine - and should flower next year, but even if not it will deffo flower the following year.

Loads of info if you google, here's just one example:

http://www.amateurgardening.com/uncategorized/pruning-forsythia-the-right-way/