Gold Tide® Forsythia

Forsythia 'Courtasol'

Nature Hills Nursery

Compact Dwarf Forsythia that Floods Your Garden with Golden Yellow Blooms Before Leaves Emerge
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 3-4 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Showy Yellow Blooms in Early Spring

$74⁹³

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Out of stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce that signature carpet of yellow blooms. While it can handle partial shade, you will notice fewer flowers and a more leggy, open growth habit instead of the desired dense groundcover look.
Soil: It prefers loose, well-drained soil but is adaptable to most types as long as it does not sit in standing water. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting time to improve drainage; for sandy soil, adding peat moss helps the roots stay hydrated.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Gold Tide® Forsythia deeply twice a week to ensure the root system anchors properly. Once established, this variety is quite drought tolerant, though consistent moisture during the heat of summer prevents the foliage from wilting or turning yellow prematurely. Inconsistent watering often leads to "blind wood" where the plant fails to set flower buds for the following spring.

Pruning Tips

Because Forsythia blooms on "old wood" (stems grown the previous year), you should prune immediately after the flowers fade in late spring. Use sharp bypass pruners to remove about one third of the oldest, thickest canes right down to the ground level. This rejuvenation pruning encourages fresh new growth from the base, which keeps the plant vigorous and ensures a massive flower show next season.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release granular fertilizer in early spring just as the flower buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this forces tender new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season "growth spurt" often leads to winter dieback and can kill the flower buds you are expecting for spring.

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, Compact/Dwarf, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Disease resistant, Groundcover
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	2-3 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
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 'Courtasol'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Courtasol
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Gleaming spring delights, the Gold Tide® Forsythia (Forsythia 'Courtasol') is a dwarf, deciduous ornamental shrub that gleams with golden yellow flowers in the early spring. The earliest emerging pollinators will adore these blooms as much as you will! Can’t wait? Snip a few stems in the winter to force in a vase for bright color in floral arrangements to break up the winter doldrums.

Your Gold Tide® Forsythia bursts into spring with a "gold tide" of yellow brilliance so early in the season that its foliage still hasn't appeared. The diminutive, bell-shaped flowers create quite a show as they appear in abundance amid the bare branches. Ovate, green leaves will soon fill out your Gold Tide® for summer, so it presents a pleasing appearance throughout the season!

With its compact, spreading shape, your Gold Tide® Forsythia typically grows low to the ground but spreads to an attractive, mounded form. Growing vigorously throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 8, this dwarf space-saving shrub grows just 24-30 inches tall and spreads to a 4-foot wide.

Planting and Application:

Beautiful if left to grow naturally, but is easy to prune if you prefer to take a hand in its shaping. This means more time for you, so put away those shears and put your feet up instead! Create lovely facer plantings and add pops of color to your foundation plantings and cottage borders! You'll love the low property definition and spectacular low hedge in front of taller perennials.

These Dwarf Forsythia are fantastic for mass plantings and on slopes and hillsides, both for erosion control and to make a hard-to-mow hill into a spring spectacle! It is naturally very compact and self-branching so is a perfect focal point for a smaller garden too! Add pops of color in the spring in key locations around your property to call attention and boost curb appeal!

Versatile Gold Tide® can be grown in outdoor pots on a sunny deck or balcony. Give it regular water to add lavish color and privacy to your small space garden, porch, and patio, or even the dramatic feature in a container garden!

Plant three in an informal triangle for a natural look. Underplant with spring-flowering bulbs to amplify the springtime impact, then layer in smaller shrubs like Goldflame Spirea and Invincibelle Limetta® Hydrangea for summer color.

Brilliant Golden Flowers in Early Spring
Dwarf Forsythia
Deep Green Leaves Cloak Each Branch for Summer
Great Compact Form Develops Naturally
Fabulous Specimen & Accents, Low Hedges, Slopes & Facer Shrubs

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Forsythia shrubs grow best in full sun, and well-drained soil that sheds water quickly after a rainfall. If needed, mound up an elevated planting site with additional soil 18 inches high by three feet wide and plant in that mound. Apply a medium amount of water on a regular basis. Keep container plants well-hydrated, as well. Providing a good layer of mulch will help keep the root system cool and moist.

Prune right after flowering is done. Every so often, prune the largest, thickest canes out at ground level to keep your shrub rejuvenated and healthy. Deer don't prefer the taste. However, deer are hungry and curious. Apply repellent when you plant, and reapply according to label directions.

Full Sun For The Most Blooms
Any Well-Drained Soil - Flourishes in Alkaline Conditions
Moderate Moisture Needs & Appreciates Mulched Beds
Very Little Pruning Needed - But Trim After Flowering
Disease Resistant, Easy Care, Adaptable & Hardy

Buy enough to line your walk or fill that bare spot in your garden. Order your sweet and petite Gold Tide® Forsythia bushes from Nature Hills Nursery today!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Gold Tide® Forsythia suitable for?

Gold Tide® Forsythia thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. This dwarf shrub handles cold winters well while producing abundant golden blooms in early spring. Plant it in full sun for best flowering performance.

How tall and wide does Gold Tide® Forsythia grow at maturity?

Gold Tide® Forsythia reaches 24-30 inches tall and spreads 4 feet wide at maturity. This compact, mounding shrub thrives in zones 4-8 and requires minimal pruning due to its naturally tidy growth habit. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance spring bloomer.

Does Gold Tide® Forsythia need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Gold Tide® Forsythia thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade reasonably well. In shadier spots, you'll get fewer blooms but the plant will still grow healthy foliage. For maximum spring flower display, plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Is Gold Tide® Forsythia a fast-growing or slow-growing shrub?

Gold Tide® Forsythia grows at a moderate to fast rate, reaching its mature size of 24-30 inches tall and 4 feet wide relatively quickly in zones 4-8. Its vigorous growth habit makes it excellent for filling spaces rapidly. Expect good establishment within the first growing season with proper watering.

Is Gold Tide® Forsythia deer resistant?

Gold Tide® Forsythia has moderate deer resistance, though hungry deer may browse it in winter when other food is scarce. The early spring blooms and dense 4-foot spread typically deter most deer naturally. For best results in deer-heavy areas, plant near more aromatic herbs or consider deer repellent during establishment.

Can Gold Tide® Forsythia tolerate drought conditions once mature?

Gold Tide® Forsythia has moderate drought tolerance once established, but performs best with consistent moisture. This vigorous shrub in zones 4-8 will need regular watering during dry spells for optimal flowering. Water deeply during prolonged drought periods to maintain its compact 24-30 inch form.

Will Gold Tide® Forsythia bloom in its first year after planting?

Gold Tide® Forsythia typically blooms in its first spring after planting if planted in fall or early spring. This early-blooming shrub produces its golden flowers before the leaves emerge, making it one of the first signs of spring. Plant in fall for best first-year bloom results.

Gold Tide® Forsythia

Forsythia 'Courtasol'