Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor Gold'

• Pollinators: The white flowers of 'Tor Gold' attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are drawn to the plant’s nectar-rich blooms.
  
• Birds: After blooming, the plant may produce small seed pods that provide food for birds, especially in the fall and winter months.
  
  

• Spring to Summer: 'Tor Gold' begins to bloom in late spring, producing small clusters of white flowers that cover the shrub. These blooms provide a soft contrast against the vibrant yellow leaves, creating a cheerful appearance in the garden. As the summer progresses, the leaves turn from their bright yellow color to a more subdued yellow-green, which still adds texture and interest to the landscape.
  
• Fall: In the fall, the leaves turn to golden hues, providing a warm, seasonal display before they drop.
  
  Winter: During the winter months, 'Tor Gold' enters dormancy and sheds its leaves. While bare, the shrub maintains a compact, rounded form, offering structure to the winter garden.

• Leaves: The leaves of 'Tor Gold' are its most distinctive feature. They start as a brilliant, golden yellow in spring and transition to yellow-green by mid-summer. The foliage has a fine, textured appearance, with a slight serration along the edges, giving it a refined look.
  
• Fall Color: As fall approaches, the leaves take on shades of gold and yellow before dropping, ensuring the plant offers seasonal interest throughout the year.
  
  Texture: The leaves are small and finely textured, adding to the plant’s graceful, delicate form.

• Flower Description: 'Tor Gold' produces clusters of small, white, five-petaled flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. These delicate flowers create a soft contrast to the vibrant yellow foliage, adding visual interest and attracting pollinators to your garden.
  
  Flower Longevity: The flowers bloom in clusters for several weeks, providing a burst of color before transitioning to seed pods.

• Best Time to Plant: The ideal time to plant 'Tor Gold' is in early spring after the last frost or in fall before the first frost. This timing ensures that the plant has enough time to establish strong roots before the growing season or extreme cold weather sets in.
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Spiraea 'Tor Gold' thrives in moist but well-drained soil and benefits from plenty of sunlight to maintain its vibrant foliage. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, firm it gently around the roots, and water thoroughly to settle the plant.
  
  Spacing: Space plants about 2–3 feet apart to allow for their mature size and promote proper air circulation.

• Pruning Time: Prune 'Tor Gold' in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged wood and trim the plant to shape it and maintain a dense, bushy form.
  
• Pruning Tips: 'Tor Gold' generally does not require heavy pruning, but regular deadheading after the main bloom period will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
  
  

Maintenance Pruning: Light pruning throughout the growing season will help the shrub maintain its compact size and enhance its ornamental appearance.

• Watering: 'Tor Gold' requires moderate watering and prefers well-drained soil. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during dry periods. Ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not soggy.
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Tor Gold' is somewhat drought-tolerant but performs best with regular moisture during the growing season.
  
  Watering Tip: Water at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging.

'Tor Gold' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, which enhances the yellow foliage. In areas with extremely hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can protect the plant from heat stress and help maintain vibrant leaf color.

'Tor Gold' is primarily grown for its ornamental value, but you can harvest branches for use in floral arrangements. The small seed pods that appear after flowering may also be collected for bird food.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy new growth and vibrant foliage. For plants grown in containers, consider using a liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
  
  Fertilizer Tip: Avoid using too much nitrogen, as it can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. A balanced fertilizer with a good ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will support overall plant health.

'Tor Gold' produces both male and female flowers and is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another plant to produce seeds. However, planting it near other Spiraea varieties can enhance biodiversity and support pollinator populations in the garden.

• Perennials: Pair with perennials like Daylilies, Hostas, or Echinacea for added color and texture contrast.
  
• Shrubs: Combine with shrubs like Weigela, Viburnum, or Spiraea to create a layered, multi-textured landscape.
  
  Groundcovers: Use groundcovers like Ajuga or Liriope around the base of 'Tor Gold' to enhance its appearance and provide additional color and texture.