A true harbinger of spring, forsythia blooms in late winter or spring before the leaves unfurl. Weeping forsythia (Forsythia suspensa) is slightly different from its commonly found cousin, the border forsythia, in that it has trailing branches. Let’s learn how to care for this large, graceful shrub.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Forsythia suspensa, commonly known as weeping forsythia or golden-bell, is a species of flowering plant in the family Oleaceae. Forsythia suspensa is native to China. It is introduced in Japan, Spain, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Korea, as well as some parts of the United States. It grows in thickets or grassy areas on slopes and valleys.
The Latin epithet of suspensa is derived from suspensus meaning suspended. It was first described and published in Enum. Pl. Obs. Vol.1 on page 39 in 1804.
Forsythia suspensa is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) tall. Its flowers are golden-yellow and they bloom March to April. Leaves are green in color, broadly-ovate, and simple.
It can be grown as a weeping shrub on stream banks and can be identified by its pale flowers. Garden cultivars can be found. It is a spring flowering shrub, with yellow flowers. It is grown and prized for its toughness. Before Forsythia × intermedia was known as a true wild Chinese species, F. suspensa was considered one of its parents.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Weeping forsythia grows mainly along roads, on hillsides, and at the edge of forests. It likes light and tolerates partial-shade. Thus, good results can be achieved when planted in the garden, by a fence, on corners of grass patches, in rock gardens, on south-facing slopes, alongs lakes, or as hedges.
Temperature
Weeping forsythia likes a cool, slightly humid environment. The optimum temperature is 13 to 21 ℃, and it’s quite hardy in temperatures as low as -29 ℃. In low temperatures, it may not bloom well, and a sudden drop in temperature can damage it. Weeping forsythia has strong drought resistance, but don’t tolerate waterlogging. Choose planting sites that have well-drained sandy loam or loam.
Watering
Originating from East Asia, weeping forsythia thrives in moderately moist soil conditions and exhibits a preference for consistent moisture without being waterlogged. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular hydration to support its vibrant yellow blooms. Watering should occur once every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions. Typically grown outdoors due to its size and ornamental nature, weeping forsythia enters a dormant period in colder months; during this time, it requires less frequent watering, aligning with its natural adaptation to seasonal rainfall patterns.
Soil
Weeping forsythia does not have strict soil requirements. It is adaptable to sandy loam or loam that has good drainage.
Fertilizing
For optimal health, weeping forsythia thrives with balanced nutrition fertilizers, promoting robust growth and bright blooms. Fertilize weeping forsythia once in early spring as it exits dormancy, applying a slow-release formula to sustain nutrient supply. Use sparingly; over-fertilization can harm weeping forsythia or spur excessive foliage at the expense of flowers. Adjust fertilization schedule based on growth stage and seasonal changes; younger weeping forsythia may benefit from additional feeding during active growth. For safety, follow product instructions, avoid root contact, and water thoroughly after application.
Pruning
After buds flower in spring, cut off short branches. After leaves fall in fall, thin the branches.
- Prune after planting
Cut off all the branches from the root neck (that part of the root system from which the trunk arises) onwards. When the regenerated shoots grow to more than 20 cm, choose 3-5 suitably angled and vigorously growing branches to cultivate as the main branch, and remove the remaining sprouts. Leave 3-4 side branches on each main branch to form a canopy.
- Prune after flowering
The upright varieties are characterized by the lateral branches extending upward. Their lower branches can be cut off to cultivate a standard tree shape. If you plant weeping varieties in a row, they can be pruned into a hedge after reaching a certain height and width, or trimmed into single bushes after flowering.
- Winter pruning
To thin after leaf fall or before germination in early spring, retain 1-3 main branches while cutting off the rest. At the same time, prune weak, old, or crowded branches. Appropriate trimming lets new, strong branches grow out next year. Remove top shoots from the growing branches to control their growth, draw new shoots out, and form flower buds.
Propagation
A robust ornamental plant, weeping forsythia thrives when propagated via cworkuttings. To successfully nurture weeping forsythia, take healthy, semi-hardwood cuttings from mature stems. A rooting hormone can stimulate growth, though it’s essential to maintain moist, well-draining soil for optimal rooting. Once cuttings establish roots, transplant them with care to avoid shock, providing a favorable environment for growth that includes indirect light and consistent watering.
Transplanting
The perfect time to transplant weeping forsythia is in late spring, when the plant has finished flowering. This offers the best growing conditions for a successful transplant. Choose a location with well-draining soil and partial to full sunlight. Gently loosen the root ball when transplanting to ensure smooth adaptation.
Repotting
Ideal for repotting in early spring, weeping forsythia flourishes when refreshed every 2-3 years due to its moderate growth. Choose a spacious container to accommodate its bush-like sprawl. Post-repotting, ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Weeping forsythia will thrive with sunlight and slight moisture, ready for a vibrant display.
Pests and Diseases
Weeping forsythia is a robust shrub and as such doesn’t suffer from too many pest or disease issues.
It is resistant to deer, and Japanese beetles leave it alone. Slugs and snails are easy to keep at bay by providing adequate drainage, which also helps to prevent root rot.
Fungal conditions such as leaf spot and twig blight may be a problem if shrubs are planted too close together and/or are too dense to allow for adequate airflow.
And finally, if you notice strange growths, they may be due to a condition called forsythia gall disease.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Weeping forsythia is a common shrub that makes for a very showy garden addition with its abundant yellow flowers which bloom in spring. Since this is a dense shrub with attractive ‘weeping’ branches it makes for a good hedge or screen but is equally rewarding when grown as a specimen plant or on slopes, beds, and borders. This shrub is most at home in informal or cottage gardens. Partnering this forsythia with daffodils, flowering quince, or Yoshino cherry offers excellent contrast.
- Medicinal uses
It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains the lignans Pinoresinol and phillyrin.