shrub

Gold Mound Spirea

Spiraea japonica 'Gold Mound'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Medium-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Japan, China, Korea

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Spiraea japonica is a species of deciduous, mounding shrubs native to Asia, widely cultivated for their attractive foliage and flat-topped clusters of flowers. 'Gold Mound' is a vibrant cultivar prized for its brilliant golden-yellow foliage that emerges in spring and holds its color throughout the summer. Clusters of pink flowers provide a lovely contrast.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Gold Mound' is a garden standout, primarily grown for its intense, season-long golden foliage. The leaves emerge a coppery-gold in spring, mature to a bright lemon-yellow in summer, and take on orange-red tints in fall. The clusters of pink summer flowers create a beautiful two-toned effect against the bright leaves.

This shrub is a low-maintenance workhorse for adding a splash of bright color to the landscape. Its compact, mounding habit makes it ideal for creating low hedges, defining borders, or filling in foundation plantings. It is very effective when planted in large groups for a sea of gold.

The flat-topped flower clusters are easily accessible to a wide range of pollinators, including various bees and butterflies, providing a good source of nectar in early summer. The dense branching offers shelter for small birds and other wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sun daily.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's container.
Gently remove the plant and loosen any circling roots.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.
Backfill with soil, press down firmly, and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun; in too much shade, the vibrant gold foliage will fade to a less impressive chartreuse-green.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially in hot weather.
Prune hard in late winter to maintain a compact shape and encourage new growth.
Deadhead after the first bloom to promote a second flowering.
Use it to contrast with dark-leaved plants for a stunning effect.

Don't

Do not plant in deep shade, as you will lose the golden foliage color.
Avoid letting the plant dry out, which can cause leaf scorch.
Don't prune in late summer or fall, as this can remove next year's flower buds.
Don't worry if the fall color is a mix of orange and red; this is normal.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Brilliant foliage accentBright low hedge or borderEye-catching mass planting

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip' Heuchera 'Obsidian' Pennisetum 'Hameln' Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gold Mound Spirea questions

What zones can Gold Mound Spirea grow in?

Gold Mound 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 Gold Mound Spirea deer resistant?

Yes — Gold Mound Spirea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Gold Mound Spirea bloom?

Gold Mound Spirea typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Gold Mound Spirea need full sun?

Gold Mound Spirea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.