How to Grow Forsythia 'Weekend'
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Forsythia 'Weekend'
Forsythia × intermedia 'Weekend'
shrubForsythia 'Weekend' is a deciduous flowering shrub renowned for its extended blooming season, producing vibrant yellow flowers from early spring through late spring. This hybrid variety is more cold-hardy and disease-resistant than many forsythia cultivars, making it an excellent choice for northern gardens. It serves as a dramatic focal point in landscapes and is prized for spring arrangements and forcing indoors.
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Example Forsythia 'Weekend' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Forsythia 'Weekend'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Forsythia 'Weekend'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-9, with exceptional cold tolerance to zone 3a
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Establishment
First 6-12 monthsYoung shrub with limited branching; foliage emerging in spring
Water deeply 2-3 times weekly. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base. Prune lightly if needed to shape.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through fall, years 1-3Shrub develops dense branching structure; green foliage throughout summer and fall
Maintain consistent moisture. Prune after flowering (early to mid-spring) to remove old wood and shape plant. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer.
Flowering
4-6 weeks (early spring to late spring, often mid-March to May depending on zone)Abundant bright yellow flowers bloom on bare or leafing branches; 'Weekend' produces an extended display
Do not prune during blooming. Allow flowers to remain on plant for ornamental value. Remove dead flowers if desired, though not necessary.
Post-Bloom
Late spring through early summerFlowers fade; foliage fully expands; shrub shows dense green leaves
This is the ideal time to prune heavily if rejuvenation is needed. Light pruning to shape is acceptable immediately after bloom. Begin moderate feeding with balanced fertilizer.
Dormancy
Late fall through early spring (4-5 months)Foliage yellows and drops in fall; shrub becomes bare; flower buds form for next spring
Cease fertilizing in late summer. Water only during drought. Do not prune. Remove fallen leaves if desired or allow to mulch soil.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil in early spring before bloom. Prune out heavily infested branches.
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Hand-pick early morning or use pheromone traps nearby. Spray with neem oil if infestation is heavy.
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Increase humidity and water foliage in hot, dry periods. Spray with strong water stream or use miticide if severe.
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Ensure good air circulation; prune dense interior branches. Remove infected leaves; apply fungicide if necessary.
Uses
Ornamental garnish and spring arrangements
CulinaryForsythia flowers are edible and can be crystallized or used as delicate garnish on spring desserts and salads. The flowering branches are highly prized for fresh and dried floral arrangements. [source]
Forced indoor blooms
HouseholdBranches can be forced indoors in late winter to bring early spring flowers to the home. This practice, known as forcing, brings welcome blooms weeks ahead of outdoor flowering. [source]
Living screen and hedge
HouseholdForsythia 'Weekend' can be trained as an informal hedge or screen due to its dense branching and vigorous growth. It provides seasonal privacy and structure to the landscape. [source]
Early season nectar and food source
WildlifeThe abundant early flowers attract early-season pollinators and provide nectar when few other plants are blooming. Birds utilize the dense branching for shelter and nesting. [source]
Dried and crafted arrangements
CraftBranches can be dried for long-lasting crafts and dried floral arrangements. The branching structure itself is striking in minimalist and contemporary floral designs. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flowering branches for arrangements while buds are still closed to yellow-open blooms—stems will continue to open indoors. Cut at 45-degree angles above leaf buds. For forcing indoors, cut branches in late winter and place in water in a warm location; flowers will bloom 2-3 weeks earlier. Deadheading is optional but can encourage a second flush of smaller blooms later in season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Forsythia 'Weekend' is named for its exceptionally long blooming season—flowering from early spring through late spring, sometimes continuing sporadically through summer in cooler climates, earning its 'weekend' name from extending the bloom period as if flowering all weekend long.
- 🌱 Forsythia was among the first harbingers of spring in traditional Chinese and Japanese gardens dating back centuries, and was believed to symbolize renewal and anticipation of warmer days.
- 🌱 The 'Weekend' cultivar can survive temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C) while still producing abundant flowers the following spring, making it one of the hardiest forsythia hybrids available to northern gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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