Forsythia intermedia Goldrausch 12 Litre Pot 80-100cm

Forsythia × intermedia 'Goldrausch'

One of the most dazzling of all spring-flowering shrubs, Forsythia × intermedia 'Goldrausch' earns its name — meaning "gold rush" in German — with an extraordinarily generous flush of rich, deep golden-yellow flowers that smother bare stems before a single leaf appears. Bold, reliable, and easy to love, this vigorous deciduous shrub is a true herald of spring, lifting the garden from winter with unrivalled warmth and colour.

Seasonal Highlights

Late winter to early spring brings the main event: arching branches become densely studded with large, bright golden-yellow flowers, creating a spectacular display that is hard to match at this time of year. The blooms open in profusion along the full length of every stem, giving the plant a particularly full and generous appearance.

Spring into summer: as the flowers fade, fresh mid-green foliage emerges, clothing the shrub in lush, leafy growth that provides excellent structure and a pleasing green backdrop for neighbouring plants throughout the warmer months.

Autumn often brings a secondary reward, with the foliage taking on warm golden and bronze tints before the leaves fall, extending the plant's seasonal interest well into the cooler months.

Habit & Appearance

'Goldrausch' forms an upright, vigorous shrub with long, gently arching branches that give it a naturally graceful silhouette. It develops into a well-rounded, bushy specimen over time, making a confident statement whether grown as a standalone feature or as part of a wider planting scheme. Its exceptionally free-flowering nature sets it apart from many other forsythias, producing blooms in noticeably greater density along each stem.

Growing Conditions

Position: Plant in full sun for the best flowering — the more sun it receives, the more abundant and vibrant the display. It will tolerate light or dappled shade, though flowering may be somewhat reduced in shadier spots.

Soil: Adaptable and undemanding, 'Goldrausch' grows well in most reasonably fertile, well-drained soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It is tolerant of chalky and neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Avoid waterlogged ground, which can lead to poor establishment and dieback.

Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK, coping reliably with cold winters without any additional protection.

Care & Pruning

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once settled in, 'Goldrausch' is notably drought-tolerant, though it will appreciate additional watering during prolonged dry spells.

Feeding: Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser or a top-dressing of well-rotted compost or manure around the base in early spring to support vigorous growth and a generous flower display.

Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering — this is the single most important care task for forsythias. Cut back flowered stems by up to one third and remove the oldest, woodiest stems at ground level to encourage strong new growth that will carry next year's blooms. Avoid pruning in late summer or autumn, as this removes the flower buds already forming for the following spring. An annual tidy after flowering keeps the plant shapely and productive for many years.

Pests & diseases: Generally trouble-free and resistant to most common pests and diseases. Good drainage and annual pruning will help prevent any occasional issues with dieback or leaf spot.

Garden Uses

'Goldrausch' is a wonderfully versatile shrub suited to a wide range of garden settings. Grow it as a bold specimen shrub in a mixed border, plant it in a row for a vibrant informal hedge or boundary screen, or use it to brighten up a sunny bank or slope. Its tolerance of urban conditions — including pollution and poor soils — makes it equally at home in town gardens as in larger rural landscapes.

Perfect Plant Combinations

Underplant with spring bulbs such as Narcissus, Tulipa, and Muscari for a layered, jewel-bright spring scene. The golden flowers of 'Goldrausch' complement the rich purples and blues of Pulmonaria and Aubrieta beautifully. For a coordinated spring shrub border, combine with Ribes sanguineum, Kerria japonica, and early-flowering Spiraea. Later in the season, neighbouring Geranium, Salvia, or ornamental grasses will carry the interest forward as the forsythia settles into its leafy summer role.

Bold, brilliant, and beguilingly easy to grow, Forsythia × intermedia 'Goldrausch' is a garden classic that rewards with one of the most spectacular early-season displays of any hardy shrub.