Forsythia x intermedia 'Gold Tide'

Gold Tide Forsythia

Forsythia × intermedia ‘Courtalyn’ — commonly sold as Gold Tide® Forsythia — is a low, spreading deciduous shrub valued for its groundcover habit and bright early spring color. It forms a dense, wide-spreading mound with arching branches that stay close to the ground. In early spring, before the foliage emerges, the stems are covered in bright golden-yellow flowers, creating a vivid carpet of color across the landscape.

Mature Size:
Width: 4–6 ft
Height: 1–2 ft

USDA Zones: 5a–8b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in full sun)
Soil: Average, well-drained soils; adaptable
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Attracts early-season pollinators

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Low, spreading deciduous shrub with arching stems
Groundcover-like habit ideal for slopes and erosion control
Bright yellow spring flowers provide early-season color
Excellent for mass plantings, banks, and edging
Easy-to-grow and adaptable

Maintenance:
Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed
Can be left natural to spread as a groundcover
Blooms on old wood; avoid late-season pruning

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

1-2'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Loamy

Landscape use

Border, Mass Planting, Specimen

Shape

Arching, Clump

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes