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Key characteristics

Family: Rosaceae
Height: 2 ft to 3 ft
Width: 2 ft to 3 ft
Flower color: Dense clusters of small white flowers forming rounded flat-topped heads
Foliage color: Bright golden yellow leaves aging to soft yellow green with fine serration
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to light shade
Water: Moderate; prefers well drained soil and tolerates some dryness once established
Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering to maintain compact shape and encourage fresh growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 8
Wildlife: Pollinators attracted to nectar rich flowers and occasional bird interest

Shrubs

Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor Gold'

Tor Gold Birchleaf Spirea

Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor Gold' produces dense, flat-topped clusters of small white flowers in late spring to early summer, creating a soft, cloud-like display across the plant. Rounded, birch-like leaves emerge bright golden-yellow, gradually softening to a warm chartreuse while maintaining a clean, finely textured appearance. The foliage forms a compact, layered framework that highlights the abundant flower clusters, which sit just above the leaves and draw pollinators during the bloom period.

Light

Full sun to light shade

Water

Moderate; prefers well drained soil and tolerates some dryness once established

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Cottage Gardens
Borders
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Peonies · Alpine mint bush · Wallflower · Pampas grass · Stonecrop · Manzanita

Design tip

Carry ‘Tor Gold’ through a planting as a repeating ribbon of golden foliage, using its color to visually connect shrubs and perennials that bloom at different times. Even after its white flowers fade, the warm chartreuse leaves maintain that continuity through the growing season.