Lynwood forsythia is a naturally-occurring selection with abundant flowers that nearly cover the shrub in its entirety. As with other forsythia, it blooms before the foliage emerges, so it as a lovely spring sight. After flowers, it still has a gracefully arching habit if left in its natural state. Fall color is a dull burgundy. Grows about 6 to 9 feet tall and wide.
Shearing really does ruin the graceful lines of Forsythia. To control size or re-invigorate for new growth, prune hard immediately after flowering or selectively prune any time during the summer; see tips for guidance. Requires well drained soil; heavy wet soils will cause it to decline and be diseased. Requires only moderate water once established. Forsythia, while quite showy in the spring, can be a bit drab in the summer, so plant it with later flowering shrubs such as lilacs and rose-of-sharon.