Forsythia Suwannee Gold

Suwan Gold Forsythia

Forsythia ‘Suwannee Gold’ — commonly called Suwannee Gold Forsythia — is a compact to medium-sized, deciduous shrub valued for its bright early spring blooms and more controlled habit compared to older varieties. It forms a dense, rounded to slightly arching plant that becomes covered in golden-yellow flowers before the foliage emerges. Its manageable size makes it well suited for residential landscapes and smaller plantings.

Mature Size:
Width: 4–6 ft
Height: 4–6 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: Compact, mounded to slightly arching deciduous shrub
Bright yellow flowers provide early spring color
Excellent for borders, foundation plantings, and mass plantings
More compact than many traditional forsythias
Reliable and easy to grow

Maintenance:
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape
Blooms on old wood; avoid late-season pruning
Remove older stems periodically to encourage new growth

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

4-6'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Spring

Flower color

Gold

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Gold

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Well Drained

Landscape use

Mass Planting

Shape

Clumping, Vase Shaped, Weeping

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No