Ogon is the Japanese word for golden, and it describes this cultivar precisely through spring when the narrow, lanceolate leaves emerge in a clear, warm yellow that lights up the garden. As temperatures rise, the foliage settles toward yellowish-green, and by fall it returns to orange and pinkish-orange before dropping. The tiny white flowers appear in spring before the leaves, clustered on short shoots along the arching stems, providing a brief but lovely show. Growing 3 to 5 feet tall with a similar spread, the plant's upright, multi-stemmed, willowy habit gives it movement even on still days.

Full sun keeps the golden color at its brightest; in partial shade the foliage reads more chartreuse, which is still attractive but softer. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and develops reasonable drought tolerance once established. Its twiggy habit means it benefits from occasional pruning after flowering to maintain a clean silhouette. Ogon suits hedging, screening, and foundation borders, and the three-season foliage interest makes it more versatile than spireas grown primarily for their flowers. Deer and rabbits generally leave it alone.