Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Other Names:  Border Forsythia, Goldenbells

Description:

Finally, a naturally compact border forsythia that doesn't require extensive pruning and maintenance to keep looking its best; abundant light yellow flowers in early spring, bright green foliage turns purplish in fall, makes a great low hedge

Ornamental Features

Gold Cluster Forsythia is clothed in stunning lemon yellow bell-shaped flowers along the branches in early spring before the leaves. The flowers are excellent for cutting. It has light green deciduous foliage. The serrated pointy leaves turn an outstanding burgundy in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Gold Cluster Forsythia is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Gold Cluster Forsythia is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Gold Cluster Forsythia will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It has a low canopy. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.