Forsythia Suspensa

Forsythia Suspensa is native to China, and there, it grows in the wild in the continental climate of steppes and dry forests up to 2200 metres (7000 feet).

It is a large, deciduous forsythia bush that has weeping branches and is therefore also known as Weeping Forsythia. Several weeping variations have been cultivated from this genus.

It can grow up to 3 metres (about 10 feet) tall and 4 to 5 metres (15 feet) across. This plant is easy to grow and only needs low maintenance. It is a real addition to a (larger) garden, also because it has attractive flowers and a nice foliage!

Due to its weeping growth habit it can be used to cover up (ugly) walls. And, where the branches touch the ground, they will grow roots and become attached to the earth (check out my article on gravitropism/geotropism).

As all forsythia plants, this species blooms in spring and has pretty, bright yellow, four-lobed flowers that last rather long. Actually this one is one of the first shrubs that bloom in spring and blooms together with other spring flowers such as tulip flowers, daffodil flowers, crocus flowers, hyacinth flowers and grape hyacinths, pansy flowers, primrose flowers, scilla siberica and chionodoxa luciliae.

The leaves will grow after the blooming period and will add a nice medium to dark green colour to your garden.

These plants tolerate extreme conditions, like cold, drought and hot weather. It is best to plant them in full sun, though they tolerate partial shade. These shrubs grow in any ordinary garden soil but prefer mostly sandy soil. Drain them with caution because they do not like to be overwatered!

Tip: Forsythias, unfortunately, do not provide any food for insects. It is wise to also plant some native plants that attract butterflies, flies, bees, bugs and also birds and other wildlife!

F. Suspensa Variations Include:

F. Suspensa 'Atrocaulis'
F. Suspensa 'Decipiens'
F. Suspensa 'Fortunei'
F. Suspensa 'Pallida'
F. Suspensa 'Sieboldi'

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