Spiraea (x) vanhouttei Gold Fountain

The Spiraea vanhouttei 'Gold Fountain', also known as the Golden Van Houtte Spirea, is a more modest-sized cultivar with a weeping habit, arching downwards, that is adorned with golden foliage in spring, turning green in summer and yellow-orange in autumn. It offers an interesting flowering display with white garlands in the heart of summer. This bush is very versatile and easy to grow.

The Spiraea vanhouttei 'Gold Fountain' belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a cultivar of the famous Spiraea vanhouttei native to the Far East. The growth of this bush is quite rapid, more or less depending on the growing conditions. Its adult size will not exceed 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in all directions. It has a dense, weeping habit, initially upright then arching downwards. The foliage is golden yellow in spring, evolving to green in summer. It consists of small, alternate, simple, lobed leaves. The flowering takes place in June-July, covering the bush with countless small white bouquets in flat-topped clusters, made up of small single flowers, which attract numerous insects and butterflies. This spirea adorns itself with remarkable yellow and orange hues in autumn.

Plant Spiraea vanhouttei 'Gold Fountain' in any moist, well-drained soil, preferably in partial shade to preserve the colour of its foliage. It will adapt to all climates and soils but dislikes scorching exposures. Note that once established, it tolerates drought very well. Water well in the first year. This plant blooms on one-year-old branches. Therefore, pruning, if necessary, should be done sparingly, after flowering, by cutting back one-third of the faded branches and removing one-fourth of the old branches at the base of the clump, otherwise it may not flower the following spring. Apply a complete fertiliser in March. For a free hedge, plant with a spacing of 90 cm (35.4 in) between each plant.

Spiraea vanhouttei 'Golden Fountain' is mainly used as a standalone plant, in a free hedge or in a flower bed for the beauty of its foliage, its flowering, and its elegant habit. It will happily associate with other summer-flowering shrubs in a flower bed or to fill a large slope. Pair it with Buddleia crispa, Deutzia scabra, Hibiscus syriacus, or Exochorda x macrantha 'The Bride'. Its relatively modest size allows for cultivation in a container on a terrace.

Golden or yellow foliage adds a real plus to the garden. They help brighten up a slightly dull or shaded area and provide an interesting contrast with dark colours or purple and blue flowering plants. Most plants with golden foliage do not appreciate being exposed to the scorching midday sun, as it may cause burns. In very hot regions, always prefer planting them in an area partially shaded at midday.