Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8
Sunlight Bright light
Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral
Mature Height 2 to 3 ft.
Maintenance Level Low maintenance
Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information
Growth Rate

Moderate to fast. Matures at 2–3 feet tall and wide, staying compact and tidy.

Colorful Leaves No
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color Yellow
Ornamental Berries N/A
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant Yes
Heat Tolerant Yes
Drought Tolerant No
Deer Resistant No
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction

Blooms are an early-season nectar source for bees. Dense branches provide light cover for small birds.

Self-pollinating Cross-pollinating
Seasonality

Spring: Masses of golden flowers.


Summer: Compact green mound.


Fall: Yellowish foliage.


Winter: Bare but structural stems.

Ideal For

– Compact accent shrub for foundations, mixed borders, rock gardens, small hedges, container plantings, and spring color in limited spaces

Leaf Description

Small, deciduous, bright green leaves (1–2 inches, oval-lanceolate). Foliage turns yellowish-green in fall.

Flower Description

Brilliant golden-yellow, four-petaled flowers along stems in early spring, before leaves appear. Flowers are smaller than standard Forsythia but very dense and showy.

Pruning & Maintenance

Prune right after flowering in late spring. Remove older stems at ground level and lightly shape the shrub. Avoid late-summer pruning, which removes next year’s buds.

Water Needs

Water weekly during establishment. Once mature, it tolerates short dry periods but flowers best with consistent moisture. Needs good drainage.

Light Needs

Thrives in full sun; partial shade is tolerated but reduces bloom density.

Harvesting

Not grown for fruit; capsules are small and insignificant. Stems can be cut and forced indoors in late winter for early indoor bloom.

Fertilizing

Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring. Compost improves vigor. Avoid heavy nitrogen, which reduces flowering.

Additional Care Tips N/A
Pollination

Flowers are self-sterile; cross-pollination can occur, but fruit is rare and insignificant.

Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with early bloomers like flowering quince (Chaenomeles), Magnolia stellata, or Cornus mas. Works well with evergreen structure plants like Buxus, Thuja, or Ilex, and summer/fall shrubs like Hydrangea paniculata, Spiraea japonica, or Weigela. Great for rock gardens, foundations, and low borders.

Flowering and Seasonality

Spring: Masses of golden flowers.


Summer: Compact green mound.


Fall: Yellowish foliage.


Winter: Bare but structural stems.

Brilliant golden-yellow, four-petaled flowers along stems in early spring, before leaves appear. Flowers are smaller than standard Forsythia but very dense and showy.

Pet Friendly

Yes

Growing Zone
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8

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