Golden Thunberg's Spirea Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon'

'Ogon' or Golden Thunberg's spirea is a cultivar of baby's breath spirea and is an ornamental woody deciduous shrub with three-season foliage interest. Tiny, white flowers appear in the spring before the leaves. The leaves are narrow, lanceolate, golden yellow in the spring, and become yellowish-green in the late summer.  The shades of orange or pinkish-orange foliage appear in the fall. The shrub is upright, multi-stemmed, willowy, and has arching branches. This cultivar is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family.

The genus name, Spiraea, is derived from the Greek word, speira, which means "wreath." This refers to the showy white flowers that are characteristic of most shrubs in this genus. The species name, thunbergii, honors the Swedish botanist, Carl Peter Thunberg.

For the vibrant golden foliage and abundant flowers in the spring, it is best to plant this cultivar in full sun. In partial shade, the foliage appears more chartreuse. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and becomes more drought tolerant when established. The shrub will become twiggy and will need pruning to help maintains its shape and appearance. Pruning is best done after the blooms have faded.  Rabbits and deer are not usually bothersome.

'Ogon' should be considered for its unusual three-season foliage color as well as its tiny white flowers in the spring. It may be used as a hedge, screening, or windbreak. It may also be considered as a foundation, border planting, or specimen.

Seasons of Interest:

Blooms:  Spring       Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• dense, upright, twiggy, arching deciduous shrub
• narrow, lanceolate to linear, serrated golden yellow leaves in the spring to yellowish-green late summer
• fall foliage shades of orange or pinkish-orange
• tiny, white flowers arranged on short shoots bloom in the spring before leaves emerge

Pests, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  This shrub has no serious insect or disease problems. Aphids, leaf roller, and scale can occur. It may be also susceptible to leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, and root rot.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Spiraea thunbergii.