Magical® Gold Forsythia

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-5 Feet

Mature Spread

4-5 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Nothing ushers in the joy of spring quite like the bright, golden blooms of a Forsythia bush, and the Magical Gold Forsythia (Forsythia × ‘Magical Gold') has a few gorgeous tricks up its sleeve. Unlike traditional Forsythia, the larger-than-normal, deep-gold flower clusters of Magical Gold grow on both old and new growth, making this variety more resilient and able to bloom no matter when it is pruned! Blooming first in April and again in June, at least one beautiful floral display is guaranteed a year. In addition, the Magical Gold grows to be 4-5 feet tall and wide when mature, making it a more compact plant than many other Forsythia varieties. 

The stems of the Magical Gold Forsythia grow straight and sturdy, able to hold an upright vase shape through the entire year, even when overtaken by its iconic yellow blossoms. After it has finished flowering, the Magical Gold Forsythia is densely covered with narrow, dark-green pairs of serrated leaves. Planted close together, Forsythias make for great deer-resistant hedges and border plants. With regular watering and full to part sun, this petite variety is a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to a garden that needs some spring color. 

Magical Gold Forsythia Care

When planting the Magical Gold Forsythia, choose a spot that gets full to part sun. Forsythia prefers soil that is well draining and regularly moist, so plant where the shrub can be easily watered. Dig a hole that is equally as deep and at least twice as wide as the root ball. While Forsythia can handle short periods of drought, it is best to water deeply a couple times a week, especially in the first year and in the hottest months. Apply a slow-release tree and shrub fertilizer in late winter to help Magical Gold produce plenty of flowers and new growth. 

The Magical Gold Forsythia is a dwarf variety, making pruning this shrub less of an undertaking. Because of its unique ability to bloom on old and new growth, you can prune at any time of year without the worry of losing all the spring blooms. If pruned in the fall, the Magical Gold Forsythia will bloom a bit later in the spring. As a dwarf variety, the Magical Gold can be used in large containers, given regular watering and plenty of sunlight. 

Magical Gold Forsythia Spacing

Plant this shrub 4-5 feet from other plants to allow it to reach its natural shape and size. To create a hedge, plant each Magical Gold Forsythia about 3-4 feet from each other. As a dwarf variety with a moderate growth rate, the Magical Gold may not grow as vigorously as its larger counterparts, leaving more space in your garden.