Goldilocks Forsythia
TN Nurseries best selling shrubs
Shrubs: The Goldilocks forsythia, also known as Gold Curl or Courtacour forsythia, is the genetic mutation of the Spring Glory Forsythia created at the Institut National De La Recherché Agronomique in Angers, France. The plant was mutated using gamma-ray radiation, which ultimately stunted its size by slowing down the growth habit within the plant. The forsythia plant is of the genus Oleaceae (Olive family) and is native to East Asia. The plant is named for William Forsyth, a Scottish botanist, Royal Head Gardener, and founding member of the Royal Horticultural Society in the United Kingdom.
The Goldilocks forsythia is known for its compact shape and abundant spring flowers. The shrub’s yellow flowers typically bloom in March and April, and the petals are shorter than the Spring Glory’s. The deciduous shrub has dark green foliage and is a perfect border plant or ground-cover plant. Additionally, because of its size and durability, it is suitable for containers. Its tolerance to harsh conditions also makes it favorable for urban locations.
Cultivating the Goldilocks Forsythia
This particular forsythia is easy to cultivate. It can thrive in average, medium, and well-drained soils and can bloom in either full or partial sun; however, the flowers will be most bountiful in full sunlight. The forsythia is best cultivated in the USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8. This spectrum indicates the temperatures of specific locations within the United States. Each zone is 10 degrees warmer than the next. The forsythia shrub is exceptionally brawny: it can withstand temperatures as low as unfavorable 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, this plant is tolerant to drought conditions and relatively trouble-free; however, the shrub may experience some leaf spots and crown gall, which is a bacteria that causes tumors on the plant. Another positive attribute regarding the forsythia is that they are rarely damaged due to deer.
It is easy to care for the Goldilocks forsythia. Pruning should occur after the spring flowering, and old stems should be removed. If the new growth is pruned too early, it can result in a lack of flowering the following year. It is also easy to shape the shrub by cutting at the top of the bush to the desired effect. Severe pruning can be done but should only occur once every two years to protect the plant from harmful stress. A negative aspect about the shrub is that it does not provide any food for insects, like butterflies and bees. Insects attract birds, so if the desired effect is to have an array of animal life in a garden, other bird and insect-friendly plants or shrubs should be planted.