Mellow Yellow Spirea
Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
48 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
15-20 years
Native To
China, Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Spiraea thunbergii is a deciduous shrub with a graceful, arching habit and fine-textured, narrow leaves. It is one of the earliest spireas to bloom, covering itself in small white flowers. 'Ogon' is distinguished by its brilliant lemon-yellow to chartreuse foliage that holds its color throughout the summer before turning shades of orange in the fall. Its slender, willow-like leaves provide a delicate texture.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location with well-drained soil and good air circulation.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Gently loosen the roots before placing the plant in the hole.
- Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole with native soil and water thoroughly to settle.
- Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding the stems.
Pro Tip
For the best foliage color, provide at least six hours of direct sun; in hot climates, afternoon shade prevents scorch.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune right after it finishes blooming to avoid cutting off next year's flowers.
- Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system.
- Provide good air circulation to minimize potential leaf spot issues.
- Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established.
Don't
- Don't prune in late summer, fall, or winter.
- Avoid planting in poorly drained, waterlogged soils.
- Don't over-fertilize, which can lead to weak, floppy growth.
- Avoid overhead watering to help prevent fungal diseases.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Mellow Yellow Spirea questions
What zones can Mellow Yellow Spirea grow in?
Mellow Yellow Spirea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Mellow Yellow Spirea deer resistant?
Yes — Mellow Yellow Spirea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Mellow Yellow Spirea bloom?
Mellow Yellow Spirea typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mellow Yellow Spirea need full sun?
Mellow Yellow Spirea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Mellow Yellow Spirea drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mellow Yellow Spirea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Spiraea to compare
Double Play Red Spirea
Spiraea x bumalda 'Double Play Red'
Bumalda Spiraea Mix
Spiraea x bumalda 'Mix'
Hybrid Spirea
Spiraea x hybrida 'Mix'
Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet'
Double Play Doozie Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Doozie'
Vanhoutte Spirea
Spiraea x vanhouttei 'Mix'
Keep exploring
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Grow Mellow Yellow Spirea with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
