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.

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

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