Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’ is a dense, twiggy, upright, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with wiry, outward-arching branching. It typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and as wide, often becoming somewhat open and leggy over time. ‘Ogon’ is a golden-leaved variety. Narrow, linear-lanceolate, sparsely-toothed leaves (to 1½ inch long) emerge golden yellow in spring, mature to bright green in summer and finally turn interesting shades of orange in fall. Leaves have a willow-like appearance. Golden spring foliage color gives way to chartreuse green if plants are sited in part-shade conditions. Tiny, five-petaled white flowers (each ⅓ inch in diameter) in three- to five-flowered umbellate clusters bloom in early spring before the foliage emerges. The specific epithet honors Carl Peter Thunberg (1743-1828), a Swedish plant explorer, who introduced species plants to Europe.

Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’ has no serious insect or disease problems. It is, however, susceptible to many of the diseases and insects that attack other rose family members, including leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, root rot, aphids, leaf roller and scale.

It can be easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Best golden foliage occurs in full sun. This plant tolerates light shade, a wide range of soils and some drought. Prune as needed immediately after flowering to maintain shape.

Common Name: ‘Ogon’ spirea

Botanical Name: Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’

Type: Deciduous shrub 

Zones: 4 to 8 

Size: 3 to 5 feet tall and wide

Bloom Time: April  Bloom

Color: White 

Sun: Full sun 

Water: Medium 

Maintenance: Low 

Flowers: Showy flowers 

Leaves: Colorful, good fall color 

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies. 

Tolerates: Deer 

Uses: Hedges, foundations, borders, sunny woodland margins; interesting specimen plant.

From Missouri Gardener Volume III Issue VI.