Northern gold forsythia is a plant that is native to Asia. It is a member of the Oleaceae family and is closely related to the jasmine plant. The northern gold forsythia is a shrub that can grow to be six feet tall. It has yellow flowers that bloom in the springtime. The leaves of the northern gold forsythia are green and oval shaped. This plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Related plant:
Northern Bush Honeysuckle
Related plant:
Northern Lights Azalea
About soil condition, northern gold forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia 'Northern Gold') prefer humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil. It also grows in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils, but will not tolerate wet soils. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Just like other forsythias, the northern gold forsythia prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil but is quite drought tolerant once established. This plant is also relatively disease and pest resistant.
The temperature condition that is best for growing northern gold forsythia is full sun to partial shade. This plant prefers well-drained soil and does not like wet or soggy conditions. It is also tolerant of a wide range of pH levels, from 5.5 to 7.5.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. If the humidity level is too low, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity level is too high, the leaves of the plant will start to turn yellow and drop off.
About fertilizer, this type of plant does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can apply a light fertilizer in early spring, and then again in late summer. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow, so you'll want to be careful not to damage them when working in the garden bed.
Pruning is an important aspect of plant care for the northern gold forsythia. This plant benefits from being cut back each year to encourage new growth. Pruning also helps to keep the plant tidy and prevent it from becoming overgrown. The best time to prune the northern gold forsythia is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Propagation is best done through cuttings taken in late summer or autumn. The best time to take cuttings is when the plant is just starting to bloom. Cuttings should be taken from non-flowering shoots that are about 6-8 inches long. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-drained potting mix, and water lightly. Place the pot in a bright, sunny spot, and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be slow to moderate, with an expected increase of 6 to 12 inches per year. However, in ideal conditions, some gardeners have reported experiencing much faster rates of growth. Ultimately, your forsythia's growth will be determined by a number of variables, including the quality of the soil, the amount of sunlight the plant gets, and the amount of water it receives.
Common problems for this kind of plant are stem canker, aphids, and powdery mildew. Stem canker is a fungal disease that causes the stems of the plant to die. Aphids are small insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to become weak and stunted. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes the leaves of the plant to become covered in a white powder. These problems can be controlled by pruning out infected parts of the plant, spraying the plant with insecticide, and applying fungicide to the plant.
Source:
Forsythia: boring or beautiful? - University of Illinois
Forsythia Varieties for Iowa | Horticulture and Home Pest News
Border Forsythia | UMD Arboretum & Botanical Garden
