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Forsythia ‘Northern Gold’

Northern Gold Forsythia

Forsythia Northern Gold

Forsythia ‘Northern Gold’ is a distinct cultivar celebrated for its reliably vibrant golden-yellow blooms that burst forth in early spring. Originating from a breeding program in Canada, this variety has been specially developed to withstand the colder climates of the northern regions, making it an excellent choice for gardens subjected to chilly winters. Its flowers, rich in hue and densely packed, stand out strikingly against the bare, slightly arching branches.

Growing to 6-8 feet tall, ‘Northern Gold’ forms an upright, bushy silhouette. Once the blooming season concludes, it showcases medium green leaves that maintain their luster throughout the summer.

Aside from its hardiness and spectacular floral display, this forsythia variety is relatively low maintenance and is tolerant of various soil types.

Whether utilized as a hedge, a background shrub, or even a standalone feature, ‘Northern Gold’ adds a touch of early spring warmth to landscapes.

  • Grows up to 6-8 feet tall (180-240 cm) and 5-7 feet wide (150-210 cm).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moist but well-drained soils. Best flower production is obtained in full sun. Some drought tolerance once established.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant, for foundations or hedges, in mixed borders, on banks or slopes. Great for cottage gardens.
  • Low maintenance, this plant is deer-resistant and relatively trouble-free.
  • Pests and Diseases: Forsythia is seldom troubled by pests. However, it may be affected by aphids, spider mites, four-lined plant bugs, or Japanese weevils. Forsythia is susceptible to leaf spot, twig blight, and crown gall.
  • Prune after flowering to maintain good form.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.

Forsythia: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for Forsythia like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Forsythia
Common names Forsythia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Height 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spread 5' - 7'
(150cm - 210cm)
Spacing 60" - 84"
(150cm - 210cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Forsythia koreana Flying Machine®
Forsythia ‘Fiesta’
Forsythia ‘Meadowlark’
Forsythia x intermedia Show Off®
Forsythia x intermedia Show Off Starlet®
Forsythia koreana ‘Kumson’

Recommended Companion Plants

Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)
Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Narcissi (Daffodils)
Tulips
Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Bloom In Winter
Choosing Your Ideal Hedge: A Guide to Top Shrubs for Any Garden
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
Forsythia: What Is Wrong With My Shrub?
Forsythia: Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
How to Force Forsythia Flowers In Easy Steps
Forsythia: How to Grow and Care with Success
Forsythia
Pretty Flowers for your Winter Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Forsythia
Common names Forsythia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Height 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spread 5' - 7'
(150cm - 210cm)
Spacing 60" - 84"
(150cm - 210cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Forsythia
Not sure which Forsythia to pick?
Compare Now

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    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

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