Lian Qiao
Forsythia suspensa
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Pl. ADB5 — Forsythia suspensa
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IOverview
Overview
Lian Qiao, also known as Forsythia suspensa, is a deciduous shrub native to the central and southern regions of China. It thrives in moist soils with a pH range of 5 to 7.5, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Lian Qiao prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 5 meters tall. Known for its edible leaves, this plant is both ornamental and useful in traditional Chinese cuisine. Its distinctive golden-yellow flowers that bloom before the leaves appear add a vibrant splash of color to landscapes, making it a popular choice among gardeners.
Quick answers
What is Lian Qiao?
Lian Qiao, also known as Forsythia suspensa, is a deciduous shrub native to the central and southern regions of China. It thrives in moist soils with a pH range of 5 to 7.5, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lian Qiao thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-8 and can grow up to 5 meters tall as a shrub. For best results, maintain a soil pH between 5 and 7.5. Propagation can be done through cuttings or division. The edible parts include the leaves, which are native to China's north-central, south-central, and southeast regions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-8
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
5.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Lian Qiao for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple shrub that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Lian Qiao plant, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Lian Qiao in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5 and 7.5, and prepare a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Lian Qiao from containers directly into the garden bed, ensuring roots are spread out.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Forsythia prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Water when dry, especially in hot weather.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Rutin
Other uses:EspalierGround cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 15 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 15 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 3 native· 15 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)BulgariaRomaniaSpain
Asia3 regions
native (1)China
introduced (2)JapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
introduced:Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, New York, Utah, Washington, Czechoslovakia, Arkansas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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