Magical® Gold Forsythia

Name: Magical® Gold Forsythia
Brand: Plants That Work
SKU: 20009
Price: 54.19 USD
Availability: InStock

Forsythia x intermedia 'Kolgold'

Plants that Work®

$54¹⁹ $77⁴²

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to ensure the most vibrant yellow blooms and a dense growth habit. While it can handle partial shade, you will see significantly fewer flowers and the plant may become leggy over time.
Soil: These shrubs prefer well-drained soil but are quite adaptable to various textures. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in organic matter like compost to help with drainage so the roots do not sit in water.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Forsythia twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist while the roots establish. Mature plants are quite drought tolerant, but providing supplemental water during dry spells prevents the foliage from wilting and keeps the plant stress-free. Inconsistent moisture can lead to a thinner canopy and less vigorous growth the following year.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms on old wood, so the best time to prune is immediately after the flowers fade in late spring. Use thinning cuts by removing about a third of the oldest, thickest stems down to the ground to encourage fresh growth from the base. This "haircut" prevents the center of the shrub from becoming a tangled mess and ensures plenty of flowering wood for next spring.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer because this stimulates soft, leafy growth that will not have time to harden off before winter. This tender growth is often killed by the first hard frost, which can leave the plant vulnerable to disease.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

Magical® Gold Forsythia – The Ultimate Spring Showstopper!

Bring spring to life with the Magical® Gold Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia 'Kolgold'), the perfect way to add a burst of sunshine to your garden! This early-blooming shrub is famous for its dazzling golden-yellow flowers that light up the landscape just when you need it most—right after a long winter!

With its compact habit and abundant blooms, it's an ideal choice for borders, hedges, or brightening up mixed garden beds. Magical® Gold Forsythia is not just beautiful; it's tough, low-maintenance, and deer-resistant, making it a must-have for your spring garden!

Key Product Features

Just as other plants are still waking up, Magical® Gold Forsythia bursts into color with vivid, golden-yellow blooms that cover its branches from top to bottom.

Spectacular Spring Blooms: Covered in brilliant golden-yellow flowers from late winter to early spring
Compact Size: Grows 4-5 feet tall and wide—perfect for small gardens or urban landscapes.
Low Maintenance: Easy to care for and thrives with minimal attention
Hardy and Resilient: Tolerant of a wide range of soils and weather conditions
Deer-Resistant: No more worrying about damage from wildlife
Cold Hardy: Suitable for USDA zones 5–8

Best Landscape Uses For Magical® Gold Forsythia

Compact and easy to manage, it's perfect for lining walkways, creating low hedges, or adding color to mixed borders. It's also an early flowering pollinator-friendly shrub, drawing bees out of hibernation and bringing life to your early spring garden.

Once the blooms fade, the bright green pointed foliage provides interest throughout the growing season, making it a great backdrop for your summer perennials.

Foundation Plantings: Brighten up the front of your home
Borders and Hedges: Add structure and early color to your landscape. Perfect for mixed shrub borders and as backdrops to your landscaping beds.
Mixed Beds: Combine with spring bulbs for an unforgettable display
Pollinator Gardens: Early blooms provide food for bees and other early emerging pollinators.
Forcing Indoors: Snip a few stems early in the winter to force indoors for bouquets!

Forsythia Care & Maintenance

Featuring disease resistance and drought tolerance, Magical® Gold is a worry-free addition to any landscape.

Site Selection: Select a sunny location with well-drained soil. Hotter growing zones will find their bushes do better with some partial shade. Space these flowering shrubs 3–4 feet apart for full coverage. Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around the roots for insulation and moisture retention.

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, it's highly drought-tolerant.

Pruning: Prune right after flowering to shape the plant and encourage new growth for next year's blooms. You can renewal prune these shrubs every 3-5 years to keep growth vigorous and full of blooms each spring.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to boost flower production.

Excited About Spring? Plant Magical® Gold Forsythia Today!

There's no better way to kick off spring's arrival than with the bold, cheerful blooms of Magical® Gold Forsythia. Whether you're creating a new garden bed or adding instant impact to your existing landscape, this spring superstar is sure to turn heads.

Order your Magical® Gold Forsythia now and bring home the first signs of spring! Don't miss out!

Botanical Name

Forsythia x intermedia 'Kolgold'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
Species

x intermedia
Cultivar

Kolgold
Growing Zones

5-8
Height

4-5 ft
Width

4-5 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Yellow
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Yellow
Bloom Period

Early Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
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Growing Zones 5-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Magical® Gold Forsythia get at maturity?

Magical® Gold Forsythia reaches 4-5 feet tall and wide at maturity, making it perfect for compact spaces. This manageable size works well for foundation plantings, low hedges, or mixed borders without overwhelming smaller gardens.

Is Magical® Gold Forsythia cold hardy, and what temperatures can it tolerate?

Magical® Gold Forsythia is cold hardy in USDA zones 5-8, tolerating winter temperatures down to -20°F. This resilient shrub thrives in various weather conditions and blooms reliably from late winter to early spring. Shop at Nature Hills for guaranteed cold-hardy stock.

Does Magical® Gold Forsythia require full sun or can it handle partial shade?

Magical® Gold Forsythia thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade well. In shadier spots, you'll get fewer blooms but the shrub will still grow healthy and strong. For maximum flower power in zones 5-8, plant in a location that gets at least 6 hours of morning sun.

How do I prune Magical® Gold Forsythia without losing blooms?

Prune Magical® Gold Forsythia immediately after blooms fade in late spring, since it flowers on old wood. Remove up to one-third of the oldest canes at ground level and lightly shape the remaining branches. This timing ensures maximum blooms for next spring's 4-5 foot display.

Is Magical® Gold Forsythia deer-resistant?

Yes, Magical® Gold Forsythia is deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens where wildlife browsing is a concern. This hardy shrub (zones 5-8) provides reliable spring color without the worry of deer damage. Plant it confidently in exposed areas and shop at Nature Hills for guaranteed quality.

When does Magical® Gold Forsythia bloom, and does it flower on old and new wood?

Magical® Gold Forsythia blooms from late winter to early spring on old wood (previous year's growth). Like most forsythias, it sets flower buds in summer for next year's display. Prune immediately after flowering ends to avoid removing next year's blooms.

What is the shipping process for Magical® Gold Forsythia plants, and how are they packaged?

Forsythia ships as bare-root or potted plants depending on season, carefully packaged to protect roots and branches during transit. Plants typically arrive ready to establish in USDA zones 5-8. Plant immediately upon arrival and water thoroughly to help your 4-5 foot shrub settle into its new location.

What is the warranty or guarantee if my Magical® Gold Forsythia arrives damaged or dies?

Nature Hills stands behind their plants with a one-year warranty from date of purchase. If your Magical® Gold Forsythia arrives damaged or fails to establish in zones 5-8 with proper care, they'll replace it. Contact customer service with photos and your order details for the fastest resolution.

Is Magical® Gold Forsythia drought-tolerant once established?

Magical® Gold Forsythia becomes quite drought-tolerant once its root system is established, typically after the first growing season. This hardy shrub thrives in USDA zones 5-8 and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions with minimal care. Water regularly the first year, then occasional deep watering during extended dry periods will keep it healthy.