Goldmound Spirea

Spiraea japonica ‘Goldmound’

Goldmound Spirea is a compact, deciduous shrub prized for its bright golden-yellow foliage and pink flower clusters in late spring to early summer. It is cold-hardy (Zone 3-8), drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, borders, hedges, and mass plantings in Southwest Saskatchewan. Its vibrant foliage color persists from spring through fall, adding long-lasting interest to any landscape.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-8 (extremely winter-hardy, perfect for prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate (12-18 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage color in 6+ hours of direct sunlight)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid soggy or compacted soil—spirea dislikes excess moisture around the roots.
• Spacing: 3-4 feet apart for mass plantings, 4+ feet apart for individual shrubs.

Watering

• Young Plants (First 1-2 Years): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Drought-tolerant; water every 2-3 weeks in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture, but ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to support healthy growth and flowering.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to encourage fresh growth.
  • Trim back by one-third in early spring to maintain shape and promote denser foliage.
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers in late summer.

Flowering & Foliage

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May-June), with potential for light reblooming in late summer
• Flower Color: Clusters of small, bright pink flowers
• Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: Golden-yellow leaves
  • Fall: Orange-red foliage for seasonal contrast

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Deer, drought, and urban pollution

Common Pests:

• Aphids – May cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Spider Mites – Can cause yellowing or speckled leaves in dry conditions.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and apply fungicide if needed.
• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• Pruning in Late Winter: Cutting back in early spring will promote fresh, colorful growth in the new season.

Landscape Uses

Great for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings
Compact and low-maintenance—perfect for small gardens
Bright golden foliage adds long-lasting seasonal color
Deer-resistant and adaptable to various soil types
Attracts butterflies and pollinators

Additional Notes:

• Goldmound Spirea is one of the best compact, colorful shrubs, offering multi-season interest with its bright foliage and blooms.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Works well in rock gardens, cottage gardens, mass plantings, or as a border shrub.

Photo courtesy of Morden Nurseries & Garden Centre