Great Design Plant: Ogon Spirea for Radiance and Texture
I am always on the lookout for easy-care shrubs with great foliage that are drought tolerant and deer resistant. Ogon spirea is that and more — it is one of the earliest-blooming shrubs in my garden and one of the last to lose its leaves.
Its wispy texture highlights bolder plantings, while its bright color makes it easy to combine with other garden plants, adding sparkle to softer shades and high contrast to richer purple and burgundy tones.
I have used Ogon spirea in foundation plantings, combined with Japanese maples in a woodland garden and beneath a Katsura tree (Cercidophyllum japonicum) in a large mixed border, where its orange fall color echoes that of the tree's caramel-scented leaves. Do consider the fall color of any companion plants — finely textured Japanese maples with yellow autumnal foliage will not look nearly so striking as those with larger leaves that take on fiery shades of red and orange, for example.
Botanical name: Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon'
Common names: Ogon spirea, syn. Mellow Yellow spirea
Origin: Native to Japan and China
Where it will grow: Hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 5 to 8; find your zone)
Water requirement: Average to low
Light requirement: Full sun for brightest color but will also grow in partial shade
Mature size: 5 feet tall and wide but can be pruned smaller
Benefits and tolerances: Drought tolerant; deer resistant; will grow in a wide range of soils; attracts butterflies
Seasonal interest: Spring through fall
When to plant: Spring or fall
Distinguishing traits. Clusters of tiny white flowers adorn the twiggy branches in early spring even before the leaves have unfurled. The wispy, feathery foliage opens golden yellow before maturing to chartreuse in summer and then warm shades of orange in fall.
How to use it:
Foundation shrubWoodland edgeMixed borderColor accentLow hedge
Combination Ideas
1. Purples. Chartreuse and purple always make an exciting color combination, and there are many purple-leaved plants to choose from.
In this garden Ogon spirea contrasts beautifully with the foliage of Velvet Cloak smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria 'Velvet Cloak'), Japanese maples and black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'), as well as the vibrant magenta rhododendron blooms
The wonderful lime green of the spirea is repeated in Golden Spirit smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit') and Bowles' golden sedge (Carex elata 'Aurea').
With splashes of bright green planted in a zigzag fashion along the length of the pathway, the garden journey becomes more interesting and the space appears larger than it really is.
2. Blues. In this landscape the designer has added soft blue to the color palette with a prostrate conifer in the foreground and an upright blue conifer behind. This brings out the blue tones in the dark foliage of the Grace smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria 'Grace') as well as softens the overall scheme.
This is a beautiful example of a low-maintenance yet colorful landscape design.
3. Pastels. Softer colors can sometimes look washed out, particularly as the season progresses. But when pastels are paired with a splash of chartreuse, the combination looks fresh and can span the seasons with style.
In this border Ogon spirea adds structure to the design as well as supports and enhances the paler lilac and blue tones of the adjacent perennials.
Note: Ogon spirea may be invasive in some areas. Check with your local cooperative extension or county extension office before planting it.
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