Spirea ‘Ogon’ (Mellow Yellow)

* Common name: Spirea Mellow Yellow

* Botanical name: Spireae thunbergii ‘Ogon’

* What it is: A low-maintenance, multi-season flowering shrub that has arching stems lined with small white flowers in early spring, then willowy yellow foliage in summer, then brilliant orange/russet fall foliage.

* Size: 4 to 5 feet tall and wide.

* Where to use: Foundation beds or mixed gardens to add exclamation points of showy color and texture. Also useful around a water garden or massed on a sunny bank. Full sun to part shade.

* Care: Once established, almost no work. Very drought-tolerant. Fertilizer optional. No need to prune if you give it space. Otherwise, prune back long stems right after flowers fade – with hand-pruners or shears.

* Great partner: Hinoki cypress ‘Gracilis’ or upright holly ‘Dragon Lady’ or ‘Red Beauty.’