Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’

golden Thunberg’s spirea, golden bridalwreath spirea

Outstanding Qualities This deciduous shrub is noted for its very early flowering time. wispy habit, and golden leaves. In late March and early April, before its leaves have unfurled, its slender branches are covered with dazzling white flowers borne in numerous clusters. Its feathery leaves emerge gold (‘ōgon’ means gold in Japanese) and gradually change to bright green, creating a pleasing contrast with other, more stolid shrubs. In autumn its leaves turn bright orange and remain on the plant almost until Christmas in some years. Its twiggy, slender branches arch and flounce, giving golden Thunberg’s spirea a uniquely soft textural quality. It looks good with Chamaecyparis obtusa cultivars, Corylopsis, Cotinus, Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’, or Rhododendron ‘Taurus’. Play off its great autumn color by planting it with Hamamelis, Fothergilla, and Cotinus. Underplant it with snowdrops and other spring-flowering bulbs. And the choices of perennials partners, particularly those with golden foliage, are almost unlimited.
Culture As with most Spiraea this variety prefers full sun, but will adapt to part sun, is adaptable to most soils, but prefers moist, well-drained soil. Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’ can be pruned after it finishes blooming in the spring.
Growing Habit Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ōgon’is a mounding, deciduous shrub with arching branches and a twiggy habit. Its lance-shaped leaves are small, to about 1½ inches long. In late March and early April, its bare branches are covered with 1½ inch clusters if tiny, white flowers. It has gold leaves in spring that deepen to bright green by summer and it gets great fall color that lasts for a long time. Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ōgon’grows to 5 feet tall and wide.
Hardiness USDA zones 5 to 8
Plant image
Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks