Forsythia × intermedia ‘Goldrush’ – A Vibrant Harbinger of Spring with Brilliant Yellow Blooms
Forsythia × intermedia ‘Goldrush’ is a deciduous flowering shrub celebrated for its early spring explosion of bright golden-yellow flowers. Blooming before its leaves emerge, this hardy and vigorous shrub brings a burst of cheerful colour when little else is flowering. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, ‘Goldrush’ is perfect for hedging, specimen planting, or brightening up mixed borders in UK gardens.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Late Winter to Early Spring:
‘Goldrush’ comes into its own from March to April, producing masses of vivid yellow, star-like flowers along bare branches. Its early bloom makes it a valuable seasonal marker, signalling the end of winter.
Late Spring to Summer:
Once flowering finishes, green, ovate leaves emerge, forming a dense, leafy shrub that provides structure and soft screening in the garden throughout summer.
Autumn:
The foliage can develop mild golden or bronze tints before dropping in autumn. While not a major autumn highlight, it still contributes to seasonal change.
Winter:
Deciduous and leafless, but the plant’s sturdy, upright framework adds structure to winter borders.
Structure & Form
Forsythia ‘Goldrush’ is a medium-sized, upright shrub with slightly arching branches. It typically grows to around 1.8–2.5 metres tall and 1.5–2 metres wide, making it well-suited to both large and smaller gardens. It responds well to pruning and shaping, whether grown as a free-standing feature or a natural hedge.
Its flowers are produced in profusion on bare stems, creating a dramatic effect early in the season.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
Spring Borders:
Plant as a bold statement piece in mixed or seasonal borders. Its early bloom pairs well with spring bulbs and other flowering shrubs.
Hedging & Screening:
Fast-growing and dense, Forsythia ‘Goldrush’ makes an excellent informal hedge or boundary screen, especially along sunny fences or property lines.
Urban & Suburban Gardens:
Tolerates pollution and poor soils, making it ideal for town gardens or roadside planting.
Containers & Small Spaces:
Can be grown in a large container and pruned to size, making it suitable for courtyards and patios.
Growing Conditions & Care
Position:
Thrives in full sun for best flowering. Will tolerate light shade, but flowering may be reduced.
Soil:
Adaptable to most soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they are well-drained. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
Watering:
Once established, it is drought-tolerant, but water well in dry periods, especially during its first year and immediately after pruning.
Maintenance:
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Low-maintenance, easy-care shrub.
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Prune immediately after flowering (late spring) to encourage strong growth and next year's buds.
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Remove up to a third of the oldest stems at the base to maintain shape and vigour.
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Apply a mulch of compost or well-rotted manure in early spring to support healthy growth.
Pests & Diseases:
Generally pest- and disease-free. Occasionally susceptible to leaf spot or dieback, especially in poor drainage.
✅ Why Choose Forsythia ‘Goldrush’?
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Spectacular early spring flowers in bright yellow
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Reliable and easy to grow across the UK
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Hardy and fast-growing, ideal for hedging or mixed borders
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Low-maintenance, with minimal care required once established
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A beacon of colour when few other shrubs are in bloom
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Spring Bulbs: Underplant with daffodils, crocuses, or hyacinths for a vibrant spring scene.
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Flowering Shrubs: Combine with Spiraea, Ribes sanguineum, or Kerria japonica for a staggered flowering effect.
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Evergreens: Use as a companion to box, euonymus, or yew for winter structure and contrast.
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Perennials: Pair with later-blooming geraniums, rudbeckias, or asters to carry colour through the seasons.
Conclusion
Forsythia ‘Goldrush’ is a hardy, cheerful shrub that provides one of the earliest and most vibrant flower displays in the garden. Its ease of care, versatility, and fast growth make it a great choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Whether planted as a hedge, in a border, or as a standalone specimen, ‘Goldrush’ never fails to lift the garden out of winter and into spring with its golden glow.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
