How to Grow Ogon Spirea - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Ogon spirea is a popular ornamental plant that is commonly used in landscaping. It is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan. The ogon spirea has small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The leaves of the ogon spirea are ovate and have a toothed margin. The ogon spirea is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for.

How to Grow Ogon Spirea - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Toggenburg spirea
  • Sargent spirea
  • Bridal wreath spirea
  • Vanhoutte spirea
  • Snowmound spirea

Common Knowledge

  • Ogon spirea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan.
  • It grows to 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and wide.
  • The leaves are ovate to oblong, 5–15 cm (2–6 in) long and 2–8 cm (1–3 in) wide, with a toothed margin.
  • The flowers are borne in dense clusters of 20–40, each flower 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) diameter, with five white petals.
  • Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer.
  • The fruit is a dry, brownish-black, oval-shaped achene 2–3 mm (0.08–0.12 in) long.
  • Ogon spirea is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.
  • It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • It is moderately tolerant of drought and salt.
  • It is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, including powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot, aphids, scale and Japanese beetles.

How to Grow

  1. For ogon spirea, first step is to choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil.
  2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the roots ball of your plant.
  3. Place the roots ball of your plant in the hole and fill it with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  4. Water the plant well.
  5. Mulch around the base of the plant to help keep the roots moist.
  6. Fertilize the plant once a year in springtime.
  7. Prune the plant in late summer or early fall to keep it tidy.
  8. The ogon spirea will bloom in early to mid summer.
  9. Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful ogon spirea!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, ogon spirea prefers well-drained soils, and can tolerate a wide range of pH levels. It is not particular about soil type, as long as the soil is not waterlogged. This shrub can also thrive in full sun or partial shade.

About light

Not too different with other Spirea shrubs, the Ogon Spirea craves for full sun to partial shade. It grows well in a wide range of soils, as long as the ground isn't waterlogged. It's a good choice for a low-maintenance shrub border.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions of the ogon spirea are pretty simple to maintain. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, as long as they are not exposed to extreme conditions. They can handle both cold and hot weather, as long as they have some protection from the elements. If you live in an area with a lot of extreme weather, you may want to consider growing them in containers so you can move them indoors when the weather gets too extreme.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the relative humidity drops below 30%, the flowers will fall off the plant. If the relative humidity is too high, the leaves will develop fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant needs a mix that has a higher ratio of phosphorus. This will encourage blooming. For the roots, they should be kept moist but not soggy. If the roots are too dry, the plant will become stressed and won't bloom as well.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your ogon spirea healthy and vigorous. The best time to prune is in early spring, before new growth begins. You can also prune in late fall, after the plant has gone dormant. pruning will encourage new growth, and help to keep the plant from becoming overgrown.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of ogon spirea is typically done through seed, although this plant can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be 4-6 inches long. Cuttings can be rooted in moist sand or peat moss and should be kept at a temperature of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 to 2 feet per year. Some species can grow up to 3 feet per year. The ogon spirea is a deciduous shrub that has a moderate growth rate. It can grow in full sun to partial shade. The ogon spirea prefers well-drained soil.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, Japanese beetle, Verticillium wilt, and crown rot. Powdery mildew is a white powdery fungus that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Japanese beetle are small brown beetles that feed on the leaves of the plant. Verticillium wilt is a fungus that attacks the plant's vascular system, causing the plant to wilt and die. Crown rot is a disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing the plant to die.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your ogon spirea regularly. The plant needs to be kept moist, but not soggy.
  • Place your ogon spirea in an area that receives full sunlight.
  • Fertilize your ogon spirea once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your ogon spirea regularly to encourage new growth and to keep the plant looking its best.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Treat accordingly if you notice any problems.
  • Be sure to mulch around your ogon spirea to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
  • When planting, be sure to space your ogon spirea plants at least 2 feet apart.
  • Once established, your ogon spirea should require little maintenance.
  • You can propagate ogon spirea by taking stem cuttings in late spring

Related Plants

  • Acer Ogawa
  • Asclepias Ogora
  • Lagerstroemia Ogawana
  • Aconitum Ogura
  • Alstroemeria Ogawana
  • Aconogonon Ogura
  • Althenia Ogora
  • Angiopteris Ogura
  • Angelica Ogura
  • Angelica Oguraipendula

Source:
June 2013 Plant of the Month: Ogon spirea | UT Gardens - The …
Ogon spirea | UT Gardens - The State Botanical Garden of …
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon'

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category