Dwarf Forsythia 'Courtasol' (Gold Tide™): Low Spreading Form with Profuse Blooms

Forsythia 'Courtasol' (syn. 'Gold Tide™') is as tough as nails but with a unique form: stems reach only 18 inches before arching down and running along the ground to yield a 5-foot-wide spread. Grapefruit-yellow flowers appear in early spring.

Performance Notes

Reported to grow well in Zone 5 but with little flowering due to frost damage. Snow cover insulates flower buds. For best performance, use soaker hose on timer until established. Flowers best in full sun, adaptable to any soil. Cut back hard after flowering if entangled.

Propagation & Problems

Greenwood cuttings in late spring/early summer; semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. Same problems as species: Arabis mosaic virus, stem gall, dieback, root knot nematode, leaf spot.

Quick Reference

• Height: 1–3 ft.
• Spread: 1–3 ft. (runs to 5 ft.)
• Growth Habit: Runs
• Growth Pace: Fast
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Low
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Flower Color: Yellow
• Uses: Ground cover, hedging, slopes, specimen, naturalizing