A Guide to Growing Spirraea japonuca Magic Carpet in Your Garden

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Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet' is a compact, low-growing shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Japan, China, and Korea and is commonly referred to as Japanese spirea or Japanese meadowsweet. This cultivar is known for its beautiful foliage and overall ornamental value. The Magic Carpet spirea typically reaches a height of 12-18 inches and spreads to about 24-36 inches, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, borders, or containers. It forms a dense, mounded shape and has a spreading habit. One of the standout features of this shrub is its foliage.


This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.

A first rate garden detail shrub for color effect, with foliage emerging bright red fading to yellow in summer, turning deep red in fall, and showy flat-topped clusters of pink flowers in early summer; forms a dense, compact ball, neat and tidy. A first rate garden detail shrub for color effect, with foliage emerging bright red fading to yellow in summer, turning deep red in fall, and showy flat-topped clusters of pink flowers in early summer; forms a dense, compact ball, neat and tidy.

Spirraea japonuca magic carpet

One of the standout features of this shrub is its foliage. The leaves are small and ovate, emerging with a vibrant red color in spring before maturing to a rich, golden-yellow hue during the summer months. This colorful foliage is complemented by clusters of small, pink flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.

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A first rate garden detail shrub for color effect, with foliage emerging bright red fading to yellow in summer, turning deep red in fall, and showy flat-topped clusters of pink flowers in early summer; forms a dense, compact ball, neat and tidy

Magic Carpet Spirea features showy clusters of hot pink flowers at the ends of the branches from late spring to early summer. It has attractive yellow deciduous foliage which emerges tomato-orange in spring. The small serrated pointy leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding scarlet in the fall.

Magic Carpet Spirea is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Magic Carpet Spirea is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover

Magic Carpet Spirea will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.

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Spirraea japonuca magic carpet

These flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding to the overall charm of the plant. In addition to its beautiful appearance, Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet' is also known for its ease of care. It is a hardy shrub that is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. It is also resistant to common pests and diseases, making it a relatively low-maintenance plant. To keep this shrub looking its best, regular pruning is recommended. It can be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant. Pruning also encourages the growth of new shoots, which can help maintain its compact form. Overall, Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet' is a versatile and stunning shrub that brings color and interest to any garden or landscape. Its compact size, colorful foliage, and easy care requirements make it a popular choice among gardeners looking for a low-maintenance yet attractive addition to their outdoor spaces..

Reviews for "Using Spirraea japonuca Magic Carpet in Container Gardening"

1. Emily - 2 stars - I was disappointed with the Spirraea japonuca magic carpet plant. The colors of the foliage were not as vibrant as I expected, and it didn't really add any interest or beauty to my garden. Additionally, the plant didn't seem to thrive well in my climate, and it struggled to survive despite my best efforts to care for it. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this plant as there are many other more attractive and hardy options available.
2. John - 1 star - I was not impressed with the Spirraea japonuca magic carpet at all. The plant grew very slowly and didn't produce the dense and colorful foliage that was advertised. It just looked like a sad, sparse shrub in my garden. I found it difficult to maintain, as it required constant pruning to keep it in shape, and even then, it didn't look appealing. I regret purchasing this plant and would not recommend it to others looking for a vibrant and low-maintenance addition to their garden.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Spirraea japonuca magic carpet, but it didn't live up to my expectations. The plant seemed to struggle to establish itself in my garden, and despite following the care instructions, it didn't grow as vigorously as I had hoped. The foliage didn't have the stunning colors as shown in the pictures, and it didn't provide the eye-catching display I was looking for. Overall, I felt let down by this plant and would suggest considering other options before choosing the Spirraea japonuca magic carpet.

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