Forsythia (Forsythia ‘Courtasol’) for-SITH-ee-ah Synonyms:  'Gold Tide™' Genus:  Forsythia Like other cultivars of this genus, 'Courtasol' is as tough as nails. The biggest difference from the rest, however, lies in its form. The stems reach to only 18 inches tall before arching down to the ground and running along to yield a 5-foot-wide spread. Its grapefruit yellow flowers appear in early spring. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Tough, dwarf form with a profuse blooming habit. Care:  Plants have been reported to grow well in Zone 5 but with little flowering due to frost damage. In areas where snow cover offers a layer of insulation, the flower buds often go undamaged. For the best performance, set up a soaker hose on a timer until dwarf forsythia is established. Plants flower best in full sun and are fairly adaptable to any soil. If dwarf forsythia should get too entangled with its neighbors, cut the stems back hard just after flowering. Propagation:  By greenwood cuttings in late spring or early summer, or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. Problems:  Arabis mosaic virus, stem gall, dieback, root knot nematode, leaf spot.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Runs Growth Pace Fast Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Flowers Bloom Time Spring Flower Color Yellow Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Flowering Tree, Ground Covers, Naturalizing, Screening, Slopes and Hillsides, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs