shrub

Forsythia

Forsythia intermedia 'Northern Gold'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Forsythia x intermedia is a hybrid deciduous shrub celebrated for its prolific, brilliant yellow flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge, heralding the end of winter. 'Northern Gold' is a particularly hardy cultivar developed in Canada, known for its reliable flowering even after harsh winters, with flower buds hardy to -30°F (-34°C).

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides an unparalleled, explosive burst of brilliant yellow color in the early spring landscape, serving as a cheerful sign that winter is over.

Its fast, dense, and arching growth habit makes it an excellent choice for creating informal hedges, screens, or for stabilizing soil on banks and slopes.

The very early flowers provide an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location that receives at least six hours of sun daily.
Tolerates most soils but performs best in well-drained loam.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Set the shrub at the same level it was growing in the pot.
Backfill the hole, firm the soil, and water deeply.
Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce competition from weeds.

Pro Tip

Prune right after flowering has finished. Pruning later in the year or in winter will remove the flower buds for the next spring.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually right after flowering to maintain shape and vigor.
Remove about one-third of the oldest, thickest stems at the base.
Provide full sun for the best and most abundant flowering.
Water deeply during extended periods of drought.

Don't

Don't prune into a formal, sheared meatball shape; it ruins the natural form.
Don't prune in late summer, fall, or winter.
Don't plant in deep shade, as it will result in few to no flowers.
Don't over-fertilize; it can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Explosive early spring color for bordersFast-growing informal hedge or screenMass planting on a bank or slope for erosion control

Companion Plants

Narcissus (Daffodils) Tulipa (Tulips) Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon' Chaenomeles speciosa (Flowering Quince) Vinca minor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Forsythia questions

What zones can Forsythia grow in?

Forsythia is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Forsythia deer resistant?

Yes — Forsythia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Forsythia bloom?

Forsythia typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Forsythia need full sun?

Forsythia does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Forsythia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Forsythia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.