Spiraea betulifolia Tor Gold (Birchleaf Spirea)
Noted for its luminous foliage, Spiraea betulifolia ‘Tor Gold’ (Birchleaf Spirea) is a dense, rounded, deciduous shrub with multi-season interest. Opening from pink buds, a profusion of white flowers held in flat clusters are on display from late spring to early summer. They stand out against the sunny yellow foliage of birch-like leaves which matures to chartreuse and doesn’t burn in the summer. In the fall, the leaves turn glowing orange, red and purple shades, adding sparkle to the late-season garden.
Noted for its luminous foliage, Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor Gold' (Birchleaf Spirea) is a dense, rounded, deciduous shrub with multi-season interest. Opening from pink buds, a profusion of white flowers held in flat clusters are on display from late spring to early summer. They stand out against the sunny yellow foliage of birch-like leaves which matures to chartreuse and doesn't burn in the summer. In the fall, the leaves turn glowing orange, red and purple shades, adding sparkle to the late-season garden. Easy care, this flowering shrub is perfect as a specimen plant or massed. Wonderful in low hedges for paths and walkways. Incorporates well into foundation plantings too!
- Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm).
- A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade and a wide range of soil conditions.
- Perfect choice for borders, foundation plantings, and low hedges.
- Attracts butterflies but is ignored by deer.
- No serious pest and disease problems. Watch for leaf spot, fire blight, powdery mildew, root rot, aphids, leaf roller and scale.
- Very little maintenance is needed.
- Flowers on new wood, so prune in late winter to early spring if needed. If overgrown, can be renovated by cutting back hard immediately after flowering.
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or by division in autumn or spring
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Spiraea – Spirea |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spacing | 36″ – 60″ (90cm – 150cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |