Weeping Forsythia
forsythia suspensa
Also known as: ["Golden Bell","Golden Bells","Lion's Tail"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub known for its bright yellow, bell-shaped flowers that bloom profusely in early spring before the leaves appear.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","fast growing"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Genus: | Forsythia |
| Botanical Name: | Forsythia suspensa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"-20–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged soils.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates a range of soil types but prefers fertile conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light shaping can be done in late winter if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy; can be cut back hard if overgrown, but avoid removing more than one-third of the
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to protect from intense heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun promotes abundant flowering; rotate container plants for even growth; avoid deep shade for best results.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy clay soils with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture in dry periods.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–8. Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates winter lows to -20°F (-29°C).
Protect from late spring frosts which can damage blooms; ensure good air circulation to prevent heat stress; hardy to cold but benefits from winter protection in zone 5.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid late-season feeding to prevent tender growth susceptible to frost; water thoroughly after fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
- Keep warm and moist.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage and aeration.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap or dome, heating mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of old stems; heading back of overgrown branches; shaping to maintain form.
Pruning Plan
Prune primarily after flowering to maintain shape and encourage vigorous new growth for the following year's blooms.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers (for thicker stems), pruning saw (for large branches), gloves.
Checklist
Prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased wood; thin crowded stems; shape as desired; clean tools between cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins or late winter while the plant is dormant.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Forsythia is typically grown in the ground; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years to refresh soil and accommodate root growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; avoid wetting foliage; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply water slowly to allow deep penetration, ensuring the soil is moistened to a depth of 6–8 inches. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress; reduced flowering in insufficient light or temperature fluctuations.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; buds may fail to open; severe cold can cause dieback of stems, especially in younger plants.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; avoid planting in low-lying areas where cold air settles.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering; stunted growth in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide supplemental water during heatwaves; use shade cloth in extreme heat; mulch to retain soil moisture and cool roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid over-fertilization; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Apply a light application again after flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of blooms.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicForsythia suspensa is not considered toxic to cats. The berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities, but no severe toxic effects have been reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicForsythia suspensa is not considered toxic to dogs. The berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts, but no serious toxic effects are expected.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicForsythia suspensa is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The berries may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large quantities, but no severe toxic effects have been documented.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Forsythia suspensa bloom?
A: It blooms in early spring, typically March to April, before the leaves emerge.
Q: Is Forsythia suspensa toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How should I prune Forsythia suspensa?
A: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth for the following year's blooms.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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