Forsythia × intermedia 'Gold Tide' ('Courtasol')
A dwarf, low‑spreading border forsythia for groundcover and small spaces. Short internodes create a dense mound covered with lemon‑yellow flowers in early spring. Plants stay under 3 feet and spread wider than tall. Best in full sun and average, well‑drained soils. Widely recognized for reliable garden performance.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Dwarf hybrid border forsythia (deciduous shrub)
- Height × spread: 20-32 in × 3-5 ft (50-80 cm × 0.9-1.5 m)
- Bloom window: late winter to early spring
- Color & flower form: Lemon to bright yellow; single
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 5-8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: M. Alain Cadic; 1995; France
- Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit; U.S. Plant Patent PP9104 (expired)
- Cut‑flower notes: Short branches; forces easily; vase life about 5-7 days when kept cool
- Pet safety: safe (ASPCA: non‑toxic to cats and dogs)
How it differs
- Much lower and wider than typical border forsythia.
- Dense habit gives strong flower coverage.
- Designed for groundcover and front‑of‑border use.
Strengths
- Compact and easy to maintain.
- Abundant early bloom in sun.
- Suited to slopes and small spaces.
Care in one minute
- Full sun for best bloom; light shade lowers flowering.
- Average, well‑drained soil; tolerates clay once established.
- Water to establish; irrigate only in extended droughts.
- Light shaping right after bloom if needed.
Watch‑outs
- Short stems limit use for large cut arrangements.
- Buds can be reduced by late freezes in zone 5.
Best uses (tags)
groundcover; front of border; slopes; low hedge; containers
Provenance note
Selected in France from open‑pollinated progeny of a gamma‑irradiated ‘Spring Glory’ derivative; marketed as ‘Gold Tide’ with cultivar name ‘Courtasol’; U.S. Plant Patent issued in 1995.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society. Forsythia × intermedia ‘Marée d’Or’ (‘Courtasol’).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder. Forsythia ‘Courtasol’ GOLD TIDE.
- Google Patents. USPP9104P – Forsythia ‘Courtasol’.
- ASPCA. Golden Bells (Forsythia) – Non‑toxic.
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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