Why is my forsythia turning red?!

I have two forsythia shrubs in different parts of my garden. They usually look exactly the same as each other all year round. However, for the past few weeks the leaves on one of the shrubs have been turning a deep reddish purple colour. The other one is green leaved just as it always has been at this time of year.

I've tried finding an explanation online but to no avail. It actually looks quite autumnal and attractive but it can't be good can it?

 

Can't say for sure without seeing the shrub, but I wouldn't worry unduly rovingricey.
We're halfway through September now and in most years one or two plants and trees will decide that Autumn has arrived early and start to change colour.
Variations in the timing of this colour change in different plants of the same type are not unusual, it could be down to variations in the soil, location or you could even have two different varieties of Forsythia.
If the plant was actually dying, you would more likely see the leaves shrivelling up and dropping off whilst turning brown, rather than the colour you describe. :thumb:

 

I agree with Trunky, there is also the possibility of wind damage. Ongoing strong winds can give certain plants a change of colour too.

 

Well we have certainly had plenty of wind here! And the one that has turned red is also much more exposed than the one which remains green so this all makes sense. I might try and put a photo up if I remember. Cheers.

 

Sounds like a problem solved rovingricey! See how it goes next year.