Overview
Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Forsythia, part of the Oleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include specimen shrubs and informal hedges.
About
Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens' is a bushy deciduous shrub belonging to the Forsythia genus, known for its simple or sometimes lobed foliage that is lost in winter. This cultivar produces abundant short tubular yellow flowers with four spreading lobes in early spring, before the leaves emerge. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and can be grown in a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. Suitable for use as a specimen shrub or in informal hedges, it is hardy to UK zone H5 and prefers south, west, or east-facing aspects.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Forsythia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Specimen shrubs, Informal hedges
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens'
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Forsythia gall
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens'?
Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens' need?
Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens' hardy in the UK?
Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Forsythia suspensa 'Decipiens'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Forsythia genus
- Forsythia europaeaAlbanian forsythia
- Forsythia giraldianaGiraldi’s forsythia
- Forsythia ovata 'Naka?'
- Forsythia suspensa 'Taff's Arnold' (v)
- Forsythia togashii
- Forsythia x intermedia 'Ashmount'
- Forsythia x intermedia 'Goldzauber'
- Forsythia x intermedia 'Susan Gruninger' (v)