You'll see our recommended planting densities for each size and root type listed next to the products below. We suggest that you use these as a guide, taking into consideration how long you're willing to wait to see your finished hedge. As a rough indication bare roots can be planted at anything from 3 to 7 per metre and cell grown between 4 and 6 - the higher densities here would need to be planted in a double staggered row or zig-zag.

For more information on planting distances please see our planting density advice section. Prices shown are the price per plant unless otherwise stated.

Forsythia should be trimmed in spring as the blooms begin to fade as the growth from this point onwards provides the wood on which next year's blooms will form. Pruning again later in the year will then reduce the number of blooms the following year.

Forsythia by its nature is quite an informal arching, flowing hedge and whilst it can be trimmed into a neat hedge, it is most likely not going to have the level of flower production that a more natural shaping would encourage.

Ideally, once the blooms begin to fade away, prune back around a quarter of the length from all stems, shaping it as desired and then leave to grow naturally.

Every other year, to ensure that enough light gets into the centre of the shrub to keep it healthy and productive and sneding out new fresh shoots, cut about a quarter of the older more established stems right back to ground level from the centre of the shrub.

When carrying out any pruning on Forsythia always remove any damaged or diseased stems or those that may be crossing each other which will prevent proper upward growth. Also take out any stems that are bending over close to the ground.

If you inherit an old, overgrown Forsythia that isn't looking its best, there is good news! Forsythia once mature, can tolerate an exceptionally hard prune so it's best in this instance to cut all the stems right back to around 4 inches from the ground. This may seem brutal, but it allows a lot of light into the centre of the plant and forces brand new manageable growth out. It may take a couple of years before it looks full again but it will be worth the effort!