Lynwood Gold Forsythia

Forsythia 'Lynwood'

Nature Hills Nursery

Larger Golden Blooms than Other Forsythia Varieties Make Spring's Grand Entrance
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Showy Yellow Blooms in Early Spring
Excellent Privacy Screen or Hedge

$72³⁰

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most vibrant gold color and heaviest bloom set, plant in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. While it can handle partial shade, you will likely see fewer flowers and a more open, leggy growth habit.
Soil: These shrubs love loose, well drained soil but are tough enough to handle most garden types. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting time to improve drainage so the roots do not sit in soggy "wet feet" conditions.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Forsythia twice a week to help the root system get established. Once mature, these plants are quite drought tolerant, though a deep soak during extreme summer heat prevents the leaves from wilting or curling. If the plant stays too dry for too long, you might notice smaller flower buds for the following spring.

Pruning Tips

Lynwood Gold blooms on "old wood," so the best time to prune is immediately after the flowers fade in late spring. Use a renewal pruning technique by cutting the oldest, thickest branches down to the ground to encourage fresh, vigorous growth from the base. This keeps the shrub from becoming a tangled mess and ensures you have plenty of young wood for next year's yellow display.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring before the flower buds open to give the plant an energy boost. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall. Excessive nitrogen promotes soft, green growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost, leaving the plant vulnerable to winter dieback.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Flowering, Hedge/Screen, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	6-8 ft
Width	8-10 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Fast
Growth Habit	Bushy, Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Non-toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Botanical Name	Forsythia 'Lynwood'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Lynwood
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

After a long, cold winter, you crave color just as much as you do warmer weather. That's why people herald the electric yellow blooms of the Lynwood Gold Forsythia (Forsythia 'Lynwood') as a sure sign that spring is here again.

Yes, these are the yellow flowering plants you see around town as soon as the snows melt! Forsythias are typically one of the very first plants to bloom in spring ... and bloom they do! With larger blooms than other varieties, Lynwood Gold Forsythia is one of the showiest of all spring flowering plants!

Along with Robins and Daffodils, you'll know spring has arrived once the Lynwood Gold Forsythia begins to show sweet clusters of bell-shaped, lemon-yellow flowers. The flowers last nearly 2 weeks. The two-inch long bell-shaped golden flowers will gild your landscape.

The show is even more incredible because the bright yellow flowers appear along the entire length of each branch. They appear before the new green leaves, so you'll really notice this welcome display.

The overall shape of a natural Lynwood is very graceful. With naturally upright branches that cascade up and out into an arching shape, the growth habit of an untrimmed Lynwood Gold Forsythia is truly stunning.

In summer, you'll appreciate the dark green foliage. This is an easy-care shrub that requires little maintenance beyond pruning if you'd like to keep it smaller.

During the fall, the leaves can turn yellow with a reddish-purple tint, although this will vary from year to year. Even the bare, arching branches have visual appeal in wintertime. Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 5 to 8, these shrubs grow 6-8 feet tall but spread wide to 8-10 feet!

Planting and Application:

This adaptable ornamental shrub can be used throughout your landscape in many different ways. Give it enough room and it will become a beautiful focal point for you! They are a natural partner for spring bulbs, including Daffodils, Hyacinths, and Tulips. Add Peonies and Iris to extend the blooms! Partner Forsythia with Burning Bushes for a dynamic environment in both spring and fall.

Why not create a magnificent free-form by 'limbing up' these large shrubs to create a fantastic specimen? Use a single plant as a focal point in the lawn to really make an impact. Keep it untrimmed and allow the graceful branches to sweep up and out.

Or keep the lower limbs to the ground for a gorgeous flowering hedge along the length of your property or street? Everyone will thank you for the bold spring blooms!

Easily add privacy on a patio by including a few in a wide, patio planting bed. Plant them 5 feet apart on center to create a solid flowering screen. You'll measure from the center of one to the center of the next plant.

Use several of them along the length of a garden border. They make a wonderful backdrop for smaller plants. Increase the spacing to 10 feet apart if you want each plant to read as an individual. Create outdoor rooms with this easy-care shrub as living walls. How fun to boost your use of your backyard with a private retreat!

If you have a slope that is too steep to mess with, use Lynwood Gold in a mass planting for erosion control. Simply use a zig-zag planting pattern and plant them 5 feet apart on center.

Another wonderful feature of Forsythia is that you can force the budded branches to bloom indoors in late winter. Don't miss out on one of life's simple pleasures! It's easy and so fun to watch the blooms emerge. To force the branches, watch for the swelling buds in late winter. Cut several branches and bring them indoors. Place them in a vase with warm water to get them started. Change the water daily. In a few days, the buds open with a bright yellow flower that will bring spring into your home.

People can, and do, trim these into tidy formal hedges, and you can certainly shape it into a pretty oval or sphere shape. Another pleasing option is to allow them enough space to grow as free-form shrubs and keep their natural yet tidy shape. Give it plenty of space to reach its full height and spread. Let it grow up and out, as it will provide welcome privacy and screening.

Bright Yellow Flowers!
One of the First Shrubs to Bloom in Early Spring
Fast-Growing Upright Shrub
Great for Cut Flowers & Forced in Winter
Fabulous Specimen Plant, Hedges, Slopes & Backdrops

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Forsythia grows best in full sun and is adaptable to soil types, including alkaline! Select a location with any type of well-drained soil, as long as it's not saline. It performs best in alkaline soils with a pH of 5.5 to 8.0. This fast-growing plant can handle some occasional drought once it's established in your soil, but you should still plan to provide periodic supplemental water. This is especially important during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Give a good layer of mulch to keep the root systems cool and moist, especially in warm winter zones.

It is a fast grower and can be pruned to any desired size. Prune after flowering in the spring. Prune the perimeters to keep the plant within bounds, if needed at that time. You can also conduct a yearly hard prune on Forsythia to maintain plants in limited space. Cut to within a foot of the ground, and you'll see abundant new growth from the crown. For older plants, a renewal pruning every 3-5 years will help invigorate the shrub! To rejuvenate your Forsythia, simply remove several of the oldest, thickest canes down to the ground.

Laughs at Late Frosts In Full Sun
Any Well-Drained Soil - Flourishes in Alkaline Conditions
Moderate Moisture Needs & Appreciates Mulched Beds
Prune After Flowering Only
Disease Resistant, Easy Care, Adaptable & Hardy

What a visual treat after a dreary winter! Gift yourself and your community with one or more of these really special plants! If you need to punch up your springtime landscape, order this popular variety for your landscape today from Nature Hills!

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Came in healthy and have adapted to new home

Came in healthy and have adapted to new home well with little fuss on my part

Hi Lee,

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We're so glad to hear that your Lynwood Gold Forsythia arrived in good health and has adapted well to its new home. That's great to hear! Make sure to keep the soil moist and provide plenty of sunlight to help it thrive. Happy gardening!

Thank you!
Nature Hills Customer Service

It's doing great so far

It's doing great so far. It's been SO very hot and humid here, I get worried about it, but so far, so good.

Hi Debbie,

Thank you for the review! We're happy to hear that your Lynwood Gold Forsythia is thriving despite the hot and humid weather. Here's a gardening tip for you - make sure to water your plant deeply once a week rather than lightly every day. This will help the roots grow deeper and make your plant more resilient to extreme weather conditions. Happy gardening! -Nature Hills Customer Service

Early bloom

It is getting buds now! First to bloom in my yard every year.

Dear Want F.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful update about your Lynwood Gold Forsythia! We’re thrilled to hear it’s already getting buds and takes pride as the first to bloom in your yard each year. This plant’s early blossoms are such a joyful sight, and it sounds like it’s thriving beautifully in your garden.

To help keep your Forsythia blooming brilliantly, make sure it continues receiving plenty of well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. Pruning right after its flowering period can encourage healthy growth and stronger blooms next season.

If you ever want guidance on fertilizing or seasonal care tips for your shrubs, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help your garden shine!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Early bloom

It is getting buds now! First to bloom in my yard every year.

Hello Want to be first,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Lynwood Gold Forsythia! It’s wonderful to hear it’s already getting buds and remains the first to bloom in your yard each year. Early blooms can really brighten the season and set a cheerful tone for the rest of your garden.

If you’re interested in nurturing those vibrant yellow flowers even more, the Lynwood Gold Forsythia thrives with well-drained soil and regular watering, especially during dry spells. A light pruning right after blooming can help keep the plant shape tidy and encourage next year’s buds.

We love hearing stories like yours—you’re truly helping celebrate one of nature’s first signs of spring!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Suckers grows fast

I bought one last spring. Wasn't sure about bare root shrubs but it took off & grew like crazy. I an see a bunch of yellow buds forming & getting ready to open up soon. Can't wait!

Dear Daisy,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Lynwood Gold Forsythia! We’re thrilled to hear that your bare root shrub took off so beautifully and is already bursting with yellow buds. Forsythias are such a joyful early-spring sight, and it sounds like yours is well on its way to brightening your garden.

If you want to keep your forsythia thriving, consider pruning it right after the flowers fade—this helps encourage strong growth and an even fuller bloom next season. Also, a monthly dose of balanced fertilizer during the growing season can do wonders. Feel free to check out our plant care guides for more tips suited to your climate.

Thanks again for trusting us for your garden needs—we look forward to seeing your forsythia in full bloom!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Lynwood Gold Forsythia?

Lynwood Gold Forsythia reaches 6-8 feet tall and spreads wide to 8-10 feet at maturity. This substantial size makes it perfect as a focal point or backdrop planting. Plan for its full spread when planting to avoid overcrowding other plants.

Does Lynwood Gold Forsythia grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 4 or 9)?

Lynwood Gold Forsythia thrives in USDA zones 5-8, reaching 6-8 feet tall and spreading 8-10 feet wide. If you're in zone 4 or 9, this variety may struggle with extreme cold or heat. Check your exact zone and browse cold-hardy alternatives at naturehills.com.

What are the sunlight requirements for Lynwood Gold Forsythia?

Lynwood Gold Forsythia thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight producing the most abundant blooms. In zones 5-8, morning sun is especially important for flower bud development. Plant in a sunny location with good air circulation for best results.

What type of soil does Lynwood Gold Forsythia need?

Lynwood Gold Forsythia is extremely adaptable and thrives in most well-draining soil types. This hardy shrub tolerates both acidic and alkaline conditions, making it suitable for zones 5-8. Plant in soil that doesn't stay waterlogged for best results.

How often should I water Lynwood Gold Forsythia after planting?

Water newly planted Lynwood Gold Forsythia deeply twice weekly for the first month, then weekly until established. This hardy zones 5-8 shrub is quite drought tolerant once its roots develop. Reduce watering frequency after the first growing season, available at naturehills.com.

When and how do I prune Lynwood Gold Forsythia?

Prune Lynwood Gold Forsythia immediately after flowering ends in late spring. Since flowers appear on old wood, pruning later in the season removes next year's blooms. Cut out oldest canes at ground level and trim remaining branches by one-third to maintain the natural arching shape.

Is Lynwood Gold Forsythia deer resistant?

Forsythia, including Lynwood Gold, is generally deer resistant due to its bitter taste and texture. Deer typically avoid these shrubs, making them a reliable choice for areas with deer pressure. Plant in zones 5-8 where this 6-8 foot shrub can establish well and deter browsing naturally.

How is Lynwood Gold Forsythia shipped, and what is the shipping cost?

Forsythia ships as live plants during appropriate planting seasons for zones 5-8. Shipping costs vary by location and plant size. Since these shrubs reach 6-8 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide, order early in spring for best establishment before their peak growing season.

Is Lynwood Gold Forsythia evergreen or deciduous?

Lynwood Gold Forsythia is deciduous, dropping its leaves each fall after displaying yellow foliage with reddish-purple tints. The bare arching branches provide winter interest in zones 5-8. Plant where you can enjoy both the spectacular spring blooms and graceful winter structure.

Lynwood Gold Forsythia

Forsythia 'Lynwood'