Spiraea,Thunberg's Meadowsweet, Thunberg Spirea 'Ogon'

The regular green mother species of Thunberg Spirea and the extremely similar Garland Spirea (S. x arguta) were very occasionally sold si...Read Morence the 1890's in the USA, usually found in well-to-do old neighborhoods here and there. This Mellow Yellow cultivar has been planted a good amount in southeast PA and the East and Midwest after 2000 by landscape architects and designers the most, and then by a good number of homeowners. It makes a good yellow, very fine-textured accent, but lots any yellow or red foliage woody plants is not good design, especially if put together. As a horticulturist when I see a yellow foliaged woody plant my first reaction can be fear of micronutrient deficiency as with Pin Oaks. It does well in full sun or part shade.

This is one of my favorite shrubs.

The profuse white flowers begin many weeks before the other spireas, at a time when my ...Read Moreeyes are still hungry for signs of spring. Bloom is excellent in moderate shade, and the gold/chartreuse foliage that follows brightens the shadows. The leaves are narrow, and give it a finer texture than any of the other spireas. It can even have a little fall color.

This tough, adaptable shrub takes heavy pruning in stride. I sometimes see some dieback, but it recovers quickly after pruning. Flowering occurs on the previous year's growth, so any pruning that's needed should be done shortly after flowering.

Dirr says this species is hardy in Z4-8.

i live in western mass and have had this spirea for over 10 years and it has been nothing but wonderful! it is right next to my lonicera ...Read Morefrangrantissima so i get a lot of spring color, very early. i do have it in part sun and it does very well, although, i do notice that every couple of years or so i do get that sort of "brown out" and do have to cut it back. it will take it and do better for it , so please don't be afraid to give it a haircut! certainly a plant well worth having in your garden and should have a special place where it can really shine! best of luck!

I inherited this plant (Spiraea thunbergii, but most likely not the cultivar 'Ogon') with my house. It's growing out of the side of a ro...Read Moreck retaining wall next to (and underneath) a red oak, and mixed up with a gallica rose that's also growing out of the wall. This past summer it did not rain for months and this plant gets no extra water. It wilted some, but did not die and is now perfectly healthy. Never fails to bloom each spring, despite the shade. I'm only wondering how to move it as I need to repair the wall.