Forsythia suspensa (Weeping Forsythia)
Noted for its weeping habit, Forsythia suspensa (Weeping Forsythia) is a gracefully arching deciduous shrub forming a large, upright-spreading, almost fountain-like shrub. In early to mid-spring, a profusion of nodding, narrowly-trumpet-shaped, brilliant yellow flowers open on the naked branches. They are slightly smaller, 1-1¼ in. across (2-3 cm), and not as profuse as those of the Border Forsythia, 1¼ to 1½ in. across (3-4 cm). The leaves are usually undivided but may occasionally be three-lobed. One of the earliest blooming shrubs, Weeping Forsythia is one of the parents of the popular Forsythia x intermedia. It can be used beautifully on banks and slopes, walls, or any place where its long, pendulous branches are able to stretch and arch.
- Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall and wide (180-300 cm). If left alone, plants may colonize an area over time because weeping branches often root where they touch the ground.
- A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moist, well-drained soils. Best flower production is obtained in full sun.
- Perfect as a specimen plant, for foundations or hedges, in mixed borders, on banks or slopes. Great for coastal gardens, or cottage gardens.
- Low maintenance, this plant is deer resistant and fairly trouble-free. Keep an eye out for leaf spot and crown gall.
- Prune immediately after spring flowering to encourage strong, healthy shoots and improve flowering.
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
- Native to China
Requirements
Hardiness | 6 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 6 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Forsythia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid) |
Height | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spread | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 72″ – 120″ (180cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |