Planting Forsythia in Colorado: Sun, Soil, and Timing for Success

Forsythia demands full sun and excellent drainage. A north-facing garage wall with hostas is the wrong spot—it will be leggy and flower poorly. Plant in spring or fall in a hole 2–3 times the container width, backfilled with ⅔ cactus soil and ⅓ potting soil for drainage. Water deeply but infrequently. In Zone 5 Colorado, it's hardy but needs sun to bloom well. If hostas are already thriving there, keep them and move the forsythia to a sunny bed.