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Key characteristics

Family: Rosaceae
Height: 3 ft to 5 ft
Width: 4 ft to 6 ft
Flower color: Masses of small white flowers lining slender arching branches in dense clusters
Foliage color: Fine textured narrow leaves emerging golden yellow and softening to yellow green
Bloom time: Early spring
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate once established; tolerates short dry periods
Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove older wood
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Pollinators attracted to early nectar and occasional bird shelter

Shrubs

Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon'

Baby's Breath Spirea

Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon' produces small white flowers along slender stems in early spring, appearing before or as the foliage emerges and creating a soft, airy display. Fine, thread-like leaves open a bright golden yellow, forming delicate, feathery layers that follow the arching structure of the branches. The foliage maintains its luminous tone through the season, while the flowers are spaced along the stems in a light, evenly distributed pattern that enhances the plant's graceful form.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate once established; tolerates short dry periods

Bloom time

Early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Slopes & Banks
Borders
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Irises · Peruvian lily · Aster · Pampas grass · Stonecrop · Fothergilla

Design tip

Pair ‘Ogon’s’ fine golden foliage with plants that have larger, deeper green leaves, creating contrast in both color and texture. The combination emphasizes its feathery character throughout the growing season, long after the early white flowers have disappeared.