Golden Bells Forsythia × intermedia 'Goldrausch'
ABOUT
Forsythia 'Goldrausch' is a deciduous shrub that is widely appreciated for its vibrant floral display. This plant is characterized by an abundance of bright yellow flowers that bloom along its branches before the leaves fully appear in spring. The flowers are typically bell-shaped and appear in clusters, being one of the first notable signs of spring in many areas. Aside from its flowers, Forsythia 'Goldrausch' has slender, arching branches that create a somewhat rounded and slightly sprawling form. As a deciduous plant, it sheds its leaves annually. Before the fall, the foliage is a fresh, deep green color, which complements the summertime landscape. The leaves themselves are simple and ovate with a slightly serrated margin. As the season transitions to autumn, the leaves may change color, providing another layer of visual interest as the rest of the blooms in the garden may be fading. The bark on the mature branches is often a muted gray-brown, which enhances the plant’s winter silhouette once the leaves have fallen. Overall, Forsythia 'Goldrausch' is most renowned for its striking golden blooms that herald the arrival of spring. It is a cherished choice for a splash of early color in gardens, borders, and as a specimen for ornamental use.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Border Forsythia, Golden Bells
Common names
Forsythia × intermedia 'Goldrausch'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as border forsythia is not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it is generally regarded as safe. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially occur, but this is not common.
To pets
Border forsythia is also not considered toxic to pets. It is generally viewed as safe for dogs, cats, and other household animals. Ingesting this plant should not cause any poisoning symptoms in pets. As with humans, while toxicity is not expected, ingestion of non-food plants by pets can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset or other individual reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Spring Bloom: Forsythia 'Goldrausch' is one of the first plants to bloom in spring, marking the end of winter with its vibrant yellow flowers.
- Landscape Interest: Its bright yellow flowers provide a striking color contrast in the landscape and can be used as a focal point or in mass plantings.
- Easy to Grow: This forsythia variety is known for being low maintenance, adaptable, and easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care once established.
- Rapid Growth: Forsythia 'Goldrausch' has a fast growth rate, which makes it effective for quickly establishing borders or hedges.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it exhibits good drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens with less consistent watering.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes or banks.
- Wildlife Attraction: While it might not be known primarily for wildlife benefits, its blossoms can attract early season pollinators such as bees.
- Privacy Screen: Its dense, bushy growth habit makes it ideal for use as a privacy screen or windbreak.
- Seasonal Interest: Forsythia 'Goldrausch' provides interest across multiple seasons with its spring flowers, summer greenery, and sometimes a display of autumn leaf color.
- Pruning Tolerance: It responds well to pruning and can be shaped to fit different landscaping designs or to rejuvenate older plants.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Forsythia x intermedia 'Goldrausch' may have compounds that help reduce inflammation.
- Antibacterial: Some studies suggest that components of the plant have antibacterial effects.
- Antiviral: Forsythia x intermedia 'Goldrausch' contains forsythoside A and other compounds that may exhibit antiviral activity.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Forsythia branches can be used for crafting decorative wreaths or wall hangings, adding a touch of spring to your decor with their bright yellow blooms.
- The strong, straight stems of Forsythia can be repurposed as natural plant stakes or supports in the garden for other, more delicate flowering plants.
- Flower enthusiasts sometimes use Forsythia blooms for natural dyeing projects, extracting color for fabrics and art materials.
- Forsythia plants can be used as privacy hedges, creating a fast-growing, dense screen that bursts into color in early spring.
- The plant is ideal for creating a bird-friendly garden; Forsythia provides shelter and nesting spots for various bird species.
- In floral arrangements, Forsythia branches add height and a splash of color, especially in early spring when other flowers are scarce.
- With its hardy and robust nature, Forsythia is suitable for soil erosion control, establishing root systems that help secure sloping land.
- The blooming of Forsythia plants is sometimes used as a phenological sign that the soil is warm enough for planting certain crops in the garden.
- When pruned correctly, Forsythia can be shaped into ornamental topiaries, providing a structured yet vibrant element to a garden landscape.
- Forsythia twigs can be submerged in water to create an indoor display that will root and eventually flower, bringing early spring indoors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Forsythia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Forsythia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Anticipation and Optimism: Forsythia (often simply called forsythia) blooms early in spring, making it a symbol of anticipation for the warmer months and optimism for new beginnings.
- Gladness: The bright yellow flowers bring joy and happiness, symbolizing gladness in the face of the returning life after winter's cold.
- Strength: Forsythia's ability to withstand cold winters and bloom robustly with the first signs of spring is often seen as a sign of inner strength and resilience.
WaterBorder Forsythia should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, typically from spring to fall, watering once a week is sufficient. However, this can vary depending on climate and weather conditions; during prolonged dry spells, additional watering may be necessary. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week for each shrub. Monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust the watering frequency to ensure the root zone remains moist, especially during hot, dry periods.
LightBorder Forsythia thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for planting is a spot where the shrub will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. Although it is adaptable and can tolerate partial shade, the amount and vibrancy of its blooms may be reduced in less than full sun.
TemperatureBorder Forsythia is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive winter cold down to approximately -20°F and is suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. The ideal growing temperatures for this shrub are between 60°F and 75°F during the growing season. Forsythia can handle short periods of higher temperatures, but prolonged heat above 90°F might stress the plant.
PruningBorder Forsythia should be pruned immediately after flowering, usually in late spring or early summer, to maintain its shape and encourage vigorous growth. Pruning allows for removal of old and dead wood, which encourages the development of new branches that will produce next year's blooms. This shrub benefits from thinning out one-third of the oldest stems annually and cutting back any overgrown or sparsely flowering stems to a strong young shoot.
CleaningAs needed
SoilForsythia, commonly known as Golden Bell, thrives in well-draining soil with a loamy or sandy texture. A soil mix with equal parts garden soil, sand, and peat or compost would suit it well. Ideally, the soil pH should range between 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingGolden Bell shrubs, being garden plants, are not typically repotted. If grown in containers, repotting can be done every few years or when the plant outgrows its pot.
Humidity & MistingGolden Bell plants are adaptable and aren't fussy about humidity levels. They can thrive in average outdoor humidity conditions without specific requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright light, minimal water.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleForsythia × intermedia 'Goldrausch', commonly known as Golden Bells, begins its life cycle with germination, which occurs when its seeds are exposed to the appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature. Following germination, it enters the seedling stage, where growth of roots and shoots takes place. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, developing a robust root system and foliage. The next stage is the flowering stage, typically in early spring, where the plant displays vibrant yellow flowers before the leaves fully emerge. After pollination, which may involve insects or wind, the plant produces fruit in the form of capsules containing seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. Eventually, these seeds are dispersed by various mechanisms, such as animals or wind, ensuring the continuation of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Forsythia x intermedia 'Goldrausch', commonly known as Goldrausch forsythia, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. The optimal time for taking these cuttings is in late spring to early summer when new growth is mature enough yet still pliable. To propagate, select a healthy stem and make a cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring it has several leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture, and keep it moist and in indirect light. Rooting typically begins within a few weeks, after which the young plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before transplanting to its permanent location.
