It has flat-topped clusters oftiny, bright pink flowersin late spring to mid-summer, whichattract butterflies.
This plant has a mound-like growth habit and is most prized for its spring leaves.
Although in fall, usually by October, its leaves are yellow-tinged with red.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
japonica’Goldflame,‘which matures at two to three feet tall and three to four feet wide.
Light
Gold Mound spirea prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade when possible.
Planting it in a sunny location helps to ensure the best color.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The plant is hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizer
These hardy plants should be fertilized in late winter or early spring before new growth.
A general-purpose garden fertilizer is fine.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
Be sure to water thoroughly after applying fertilizer.
Gold Mound spirea grows like the similarly-shaped varietyGoldflame spirea.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This will foster some reblooming as the growing season progresses.
Not all plants respond well to the drastic operation of rejuvenation pruning, but spirea does.
Propagating Gold Mound Spirea
The easiest way to propagate the shrub is by softwood cuttings.
It’s best planted in the spring or fall.
Therefore, the recommended propagation is from cuttings.
Use a diluted all-purpose fertilizer, half the strength of what is indicated on the label.
On the other hand, the roots are not sufficiently protected from winter chills when grown in a container.
You do not need to bring the plant inside; provide additional insulation around the container.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Spirea can be prone to leaf spot andpowdery mildew.
These fungal conditions thrive in hot, humid weather.
This condition can be reduced by increasing air circulation around this plant.
These plants often host spirea aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap, repeating as needed.
Another possibility is over-fertilization with nitrogen, which produces foliage but no flowers.
Bloom Months
Gold mound spirea typically blooms between June through August.
How Long Does Gold Mount Spirea Bloom?
Spirea flowers usually last about five weeks, reblooming every year.
Pruning after summer bloom might encourage a second round of blooms before the end of the growing season.
What Do Gold Mount Spirea Flowers Look and Smell Like?
It has flat-topped clusters oftiny, bright pink flowersin late spring to mid-summer.
The flowers have a mild, hardly perceptible fragrance.
Yellowing Foliage sparked by Dog Urine
Insect infestations can often cause yellowing.
Dog urine burn will first affect the lower foliage, discoloring it.
To prevent dog urine burn, spray the vulnerable foliage with an anti-transpirant to protect the plant.
Also, spray a dog repellent spray near the base of the plants to keep dogs away.
To encourage new, healthy growth, prune away dead or damaged sections.
Few plants are guaranteed deer-resistant, but ‘Gold Mound’ spirea is a shrub that deer tend to avoid.
Because the shrub blooms on new wood, winter chills won’t damage the buds.
Under ideal conditions, Japanese spirea has an extended bloom from late spring into summer.
Spirea japonica ‘Gold Mound’.
NC State University Extension Service.
Spiraea Japonica Gold Mound - Plant Finder.Missouribotanicalgarden.Org, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=264004&isprofile=0&
