Forsythia 'Northern Gold'

Maple Leaf Nurseries Ltd.

$29.99
Title

A true champion for cold climates, 'Northern Gold' is arguably the hardiest forsythia available. It welcomes spring with a dazzling explosion of large, golden-yellow flowers that hold their own against late-season chills. Its upright, arching habit creates a graceful fountain of gold long before other plants wake up, followed by a dense screen of handsome, dark green foliage that stays clean and attractive all summer.

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Plant Details

Mature Size:

6–8' H x 5–7' W

Zone:

3-8

Watering:

Medium

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Fast

Light:

Full Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Northern Gold Forsythia, Early Forsythia

Scientific Name:

Forsythia ovata 'Northern Gold'

Type:

Ornamental Flowering Shrub

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: 6–8 feet tall and 5–7 feet wide.
  • Growth Habit: Upright and slightly arching.
  • Form: Multi-stemmed, vase-shaped shrub.
  • Growth Rate: Fast.
  • Longevity: 30–40 years.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Full sun (6+ hours).
  • Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained, organic soils.
  • Soil Tolerance: Highly adaptable; tolerates clay and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Watering: Regular watering until established; moderately drought-tolerant once mature.

Special Features:

Extreme cold hardiness; deer resistant; urban pollution tolerant; excellent for erosion control.

Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

  • Bloom Information: Large, brilliant golden-yellow flowers in early spring.
  • Fall Colour: Foliage turns an understated yellow-green to bronze.
  • Bark: Interesting greyish-brown bark texture.

Garden Value:

Excellent for privacy screening, windbreaks, or massing along property lines. Its extreme cold hardiness makes it a reliable choice for northern gardens where other flower buds might freeze.

Wildlife & Human Value:

  • Wildlife Value: Provides an important early nectar source for bees; dense structure offers nesting sites for birds.
  • Human Value: Perfect for forcing branches indoors for late winter bouquets and creating quick, low-maintenance privacy.

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time To Plant: Spring or early Fall.
  • Spacing: 5–6 feet apart for a dense hedge.
  • Location Tips: Highly resistant to winter wind and bud-kill; place where early colour is most needed.

Care:

  • Light Requirements: Best in full sun for maximum flower density.
  • Moisture Requirements: Prefers even, consistent moisture.
  • Maintenance: Low maintenance. Prune old wood to the ground immediately after flowering to stimulate fresh, flower-bearing growth.
  • Fertilization: Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring.

Tolerances:

Extreme cold, clay soil, urban pollution, and deer.

Tips For Success:

Avoid pruning in late summer or fall, as you will remove the flower buds for the following spring. Mulch the base to keep roots cool during hot summer months.

Fruit Profile