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Forsythia suspensa

weeping forsythia

A deciduous, arching shrub to 3m tall and wide. Slender shoots bear nodding, narrowly-trumpet-shaped, yellow flowers, up to 3cm across, in spring before the leaves appear. Leaves are usually undivided but may occasionally be three-lobed

Other common names
golden bells
Japanese golden bell tree
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Oleaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Forsythia are deciduous shrubs with simple, occasionally lobed, leaves and short tubular yellow flowers with 4 spreading lobes, borne profusely before the leaves in spring

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C & EC China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Wall side borders
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Pruning group 2

Pests

May be susceptible to birds eating the flower buds

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and forsythia gall

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