Forsythia suspensa is a deciduous shrub originally from China, also known as weeping forsythia. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its bright yellow early spring flowers, which bloom before the leaves appear. The plant can grow up to 3 meters in height and 2 meters in width. The bark is brown and the leaves are simple, ovate, and dark green.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Forsythia |
Appearance
The weeping forsythia has arching branches that can reach the ground. It blooms in early spring with bright yellow flowers that are four-petaled and about 2 cm in length. The leaves are dark green and ovate, about 6 cm long and 3 cm wide. The bark is brown and the wood is hard and strong. The plant can grow up to 3 meters in height and 2 meters in width.
Care Guide
Water: Forsythia suspensa needs regular watering during the growing season, but it can tolerate some drought once established. It is important to make sure the soil is well-drained.
Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization in early spring before new growth appears.
Soil: The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil with good drainage. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does not like wet soil.
Sunlight: The weeping forsythia prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Forsythia suspensa is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be affected by aphids and spider mites. It is also susceptible to leaf spot diseases and powdery mildew. Proper sanitation and regular inspection can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
Forsythia suspensa is native to China, but it is widely cultivated and naturalized in other parts of the world. It grows in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, riverbanks, and roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: When does Forsythia suspensa bloom?
A: Forsythia suspensa blooms in early spring before the leaves appear.
Q: How tall can Forsythia suspensa grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 3 meters in height and 2 meters in width.
Q: What kind of soil does Forsythia suspensa prefer?
A: The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil with good drainage. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does not like wet soil.
Q: Is Forsythia suspensa hardy?
A: Yes, the plant is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 8.
Related Plants
- Forsythia × intermedia
- Forsythia viridissima
- Forsythia europaea
- Forsythia ovata
References
- “Forsythia suspensa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277872&isprofile=0&basic=Forsythia%20suspensa.
- “Forsythia suspensa.” University of Connecticut Plant Database. Accessed October 2021. https://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=181.
- “Forsythia suspensa.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed October 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17534/Forsythia-suspensa/Details.
