Plant Details
Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon'
Width: Minimum 4 feet , Maximum 8 feet
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 ('ogon' 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.
This small spirea prefers full sun to light or open shade. Plant it in rich moist to well-drained soil, although it will tolerate clay if the drainage is adequate. Provide regular water to this small shrub to keep it looking its best through the summer. A few older stems can be pruned to the ground immediately after flowering every year. Alternatively, cut the entire shrub back to six to eight inches tall after it blooms every three or four years and allow it to regrow.
(Source: Great Plant Picks)
Comments
Submitted by Ref: Plantlust.com on 11/8/2012 4:25 PM
Sunny-yellow leaves on arching branches make this 3-5' x 3-5' shrub a pretty picture all season, but especially when covered with white flowers in early spring. S/M
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Submitted by Ref: Plantlust.com on 11/8/2012 4:25 PM
Luminous linear chartreuse golden leaves in springtime give way to lacy white summer flowers. Rounded shrub 6' x 6' or less with hard pruning.
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