Northern Gold Forsythia

Forsythia ‘Northern Gold’

Northern Gold Forsythia is a cold-hardy, early-blooming deciduous shrub known for its bright golden-yellow flowers in early spring. It is one of the best forsythia varieties for cold climates, thriving in prairie regions like Southwest Saskatchewan. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub adds a burst of color to landscapes before most other plants leaf out, making it an ideal choice for hedges, borders, and foundation plantings.

Planting & Growing Conditions

• Hardiness Zone: 3-8 (extremely winter-hardy, suitable for prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 6-8 feet tall, 5-7 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in 6+ hours of direct sun)
• Soil Requirements:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly acidic to neutral soils
  • Avoid waterlogged conditions, as it dislikes overly wet roots
• Spacing: 5-7 feet apart for hedging, 6+ feet apart for individual shrubs

Watering & Maintenance

• Young Plants (First Year):
  • Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots
• Established Shrubs:
  • Drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering every 10-14 days in dry conditions
• Mulching:
  • Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in early spring
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Right after flowering in spring (late April to early May)
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead or weak branches to encourage healthy growth
  • Trim lightly after blooming to maintain shape and encourage next year's flowers
  • Every 3-5 years, rejuvenate older shrubs by cutting back one-third of the oldest stems to ground level

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

• Bloom Time: Early spring (April-May), before the leaves emerge
• Flower Color: Bright golden-yellow, star-shaped flowers covering the entire shrub
• Fragrance: Mild to none
• Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: Medium green, lance-shaped leaves
  • Fall: Leaves turn yellow to bronze before dropping
• Winter Interest: Bare branches provide upright structure in winter

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Deer, rabbits, urban pollution, and most pests

Common Pests:

• Aphids – Can cause curled leaves and slow growth
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs
• Spider Mites – Can cause leaf discoloration in hot, dry conditions
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap

Common Diseases:

• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage
  • Solution: Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering
• Root Rot – Occurs in poorly drained soils
  • Solution: Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed in Zone 3-8
• Mulching:
  • Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base to insulate roots in colder regions
• Pruning in fall is not recommended—cutting too late in the season may remove flower buds for the next year

Landscape Uses

Perfect for specimen plantings, hedges, and foundation plantings
Bright yellow flowers bring early spring color before other plants bloom
Drought-tolerant once established
Fast-growing and low-maintenance
Excellent for mass plantings, mixed borders, and urban landscapes

Additional Notes:

• Northern Gold Forsythia is an improved cold-hardy variety, offering abundant blooms and strong stems in cold climates
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care
• Works well in traditional, cottage-style, and naturalized landscapes

Photo courtesy of Morden Nurseries & Garden Centre