Weeping Forsythia Care
Forsythia suspensa
A hardy shrub known for its arching, spreading branches and bright yellow flowers in spring. It is suitable for planting along walls or on slopes. Because the flowers form on the previous year's branches, pruning must be done right after flowering ends.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Pruning: Never done; otherwise you would cut off the spring flowers.
- General care: The plant is in dormancy.
- Fertilizing: At the end of the month, a slow-release balanced NPK fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or compost may be applied (do not overfeed).
- General care: Flower buds begin to swell.
- Watering: Not needed. Spring rains are sufficient.
- Fertilizing: If it was not given in February, give it at the start of this month.
- General care: Main flowering period. Leaves begin to emerge once the flowers have finished.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- Pruning: As soon as flowering ends is the most important care time; cut about one third of the flowering branches and rejuvenate the plant by removing old branches at the base.
- General care: Pruning ensures next year's flowering and maintains the plant's form.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- Pruning: This is the last chance for pruning.
- Plant protection: Monitor for leaf spot diseases.
- General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
- Pests & diseases: Start checking for spider mites.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- General care: Heat stress begins; regular watering protects leaf health.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Pruning: Prune as soon as flowering ends. Next year's flower buds form over the summer; late pruning reduces flowering.
- Plant protection: The spider mite population may increase.
- General care: Mulching keeps the soil cool and moist.
- Pests & diseases: Heat stress can cause leaf drop.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- General care: The plant is forming next year's flower buds, so do not let it go without water.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: Preparation can be made for planting new seedlings; propagation by softwood cuttings can be tried.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: This is the best month for planting. Leaves change color and begin to drop.
- General care: Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under leaves.
- General care: The plant is fully dormant and carries the flower buds for next spring.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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