About
Forsythia suspensa, the weeping forsythia, is a graceful, arching deciduous shrub to 3 m tall and wide with long, slender, pendulous or arching shoots bearing nodding, narrowly-trumpet-shaped, yellow flowers to 3 cm across in spring before the leaves appear. Best trained against a wall or over a bank where its arching habit can be appreciated.
About the genus
Forsythia, the golden bells, are deciduous shrubs producing a spectacular burst of bright-yellow, four-lobed, tubular flowers on bare stems in late winter and spring before the leaves emerge. Among the most reliable and popular of all spring-flowering shrubs for borders and walls.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toC & EC China
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in moist but well-drained soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 2
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to birds eating the flower buds
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus and forsythia gall