Spiraea, commonly known as meadowsweets, is a genus of about 80-100 species of flowering shrubs in the family Rosaceae. One popular variety of spiraea is the "Magic Carpet" cultivar. Spiraea Magic Carpet is a compact, mounded shrub with a dense, spreading habit. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and has a slightly wider spread. The plant is prized for its vibrant, colorful foliage and abundant clusters of small, pink flowers. The Magic Carpet variety gets its name from its stunning foliage that changes color throughout the seasons.
Sally ends the movie with a now iconic speech that speaks to her evolution in the movie. “There are some things I know for certain: always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can," she says. She leaned into her gifts, and so did I.
Unlike Sally, I wanted to find this person, to learn to love without trepidation and like her, I eventually found someone who fit the bill, proof of magic and manifestation for both of us. Unlike Sally, I wanted to find this person, to learn to love without trepidation and like her, I eventually found someone who fit the bill, proof of magic and manifestation for both of us.
The Magic Carpet variety gets its name from its stunning foliage that changes color throughout the seasons. The leaves emerge in spring with a vibrant red color, later transitioning to a sunny yellow in summer. In the fall, the foliage turns a rich orange, adding a burst of color to the garden.
'Practical Magic' gave me the permission I needed to be magical
Astrologer Lisa Stardust says the 1998 movie helped her face the facts: She wasn't destined for an office job.
Kelsea Petersen / TODAY Illustration Oct. 16, 2023, 6:26 PM UTC / Source : TODAYMaybe it was my destiny to become an astrologer. Or maybe, I have “Practical Magic” to thank. The 1998 movie, based on a book by Alice Hoffman, certainly helped me arrive at my destiny more quickly.
Twenty-five years after "Practical Magic's" release, I look back at the night I went to see it with my mom as a turning point. The movie has a clear theme of embracing your unique gifts — even if those gifts run counter to the mainstream. For a budding astrologer and magical practicioner, the message couldn’t have been more impactful.
In the movie, two sisters — Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman) — are introduced to their witchy heritage by their aunts, who take them in after their parents’ death. Sally and Gillian couldn’t escape from who they were, and neither could I. (Plus, as a Gemini, I can't resist a story about sisters; we are the twins, after all).
I was always drawn to the occult. As a kid, I used to drag my parents to the local esoteric store called “Past Times” to buy crystals, incense and books.
As a teenager, I leaned more into my interest in all things magic — it simply made the world feel more interesting. I could point out every constellation, rhapsodize about every tarot card and protect my energy by sprinkling black salt. I had moon circles with my friends in Central Park and cast spells to elevate my GPA. Like other witchy New Yorkers, I went shopping for white candles at Enchantments and sipped a whimsical coffee elixir at the Witches Brew in Hempstead, Long Island with friends.
My parents tolerated my hobbies and my growing crystal collection. The fact that I was hardly the first in my family to explore the intuitive arts helps: My dad hails from a long line of Kabbalistic healers; my great-grandmother on my mom’s side was a tarot reader in the Lower East Side of New York during the Great Depression. My grandmother lived by the teachings of astrologer Walter Mercado, regularly quoting him.
But for years, I mostly kept this passion quiet, for fear of what others thought. Not that I was so good at keeping a secret: People at school called my friend group “The Craft,” because we seemed like we were right out of the teen witch movie. Still, I went on to have “practical” jobs, working in the fashion industry and for a tea company.
You could say I was a Sally Owens — the sister in "Practical Magic" who longed to be normal, despite a pull toward all things magic. One line from the classic ‘90s movie led to a revelation. The sisters’ Aunt Frances confronts Sally, saying, “When are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage!”
After years of office jobs, I had to face it: This wasn’t it for me. I wasn’t going to be a 9-to-5er. I was going to be an astrologer, and that was . OK.
Not long after watching “Practical Magic,” I started to take my hobby more seriously — came out of the broom closet, so to speak. As Aunt Jet says in the film, “There is a little witch in all of us,” and there was more than a little in me. Rather than shy away from what my ancestors and soul were pushing me toward, I started giving readings professionally and launched a website.
The film encouraged me to walk toward, rather than run from, my pull for all things magical. It also inspired me to get intentional about all aspects of my life, including mending patterns around love.
Sally, as a girl, tries to protect her heart with an "Amar Veritas" spell — she wants to find a man who "doesn't exist," because if he doesn't exist, she'll "never die of a broken heart."
Her hyper specific list goes as follows: “He will hear my call a mile away. He will whistle my favorite song. He can ride a pony backward. He can flip pancakes in the air. He’ll be marvelously kind. And his favorite shape will be a star. And he’ll have one green eye and one blue.”
Mine was a bit different. I wanted someone who could "whistle any song, knew how to skateboard backward, ride a bike standing up, had hands the same size as mine (I have big hands), spoke in riddles, and could draw anything I asked them to.”
Unlike Sally, I wanted to find this person, to learn to love without trepidation — and like her, I eventually found someone who fit the bill, proof of magic and manifestation for both of us.
Sally ends the movie with a now iconic speech that speaks to her evolution in the movie. “There are some things I know for certain: always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can," she says. She leaned into her gifts, and so did I.
Looking back on “Practical Magic's" 25-year anniversary, I’m happy I followed the tug all those years ago. I’ve never felt more connected to myself and others. I love what I do and the people I work with. I don’t have to hide who I am. I'm lucky that people accept me — but no matter what, I accept myself.
Believe in the spells you cast and the stories you tell. As the movie says, they “only have power if you believe in them.”
Lisa Stardust is a New York City-based astrologer. Stardust is the resident astrologer for Oprah Magazine, Teen Vogue and The Hoodwitch. She has two upcoming books: “Saturn Return Survival Guide: Navigating this cosmic rite of passage” is due out this May from Hardie Grant Books and “The Cosmic Deck” from Chronicle Books is due out in November. Follow Lisa on Instagram for her daily horoscopes @lisastardustastro.
In addition to its attractive foliage, Spiraea Magic Carpet blooms in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of small, pink flowers. These flowers add another dimension of beauty to the plant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. This cultivar of spiraea is known for its low maintenance requirements and adaptability to various growing conditions. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. It also has good resistance to common pests and diseases. Spiraea Magic Carpet is an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and containers. Its compact size and spreading habit make it ideal for smaller spaces and for creating low-maintenance, colorful ground covers. Overall, Spiraea Magic Carpet is a versatile and visually appealing shrub that brings charm and beauty to any garden. Its changing foliage, abundant flowers, and easy maintenance make it a popular choice among gardeners. Consider adding this enchanting spiraea cultivar to your garden and watch it transform your landscape with its magic carpet of colors..
Reviews for "Discover the Charm of Spiraea Magic Carpet: Perfect for Cottage Gardens"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the Spiraea Magic Carpet. I had read great reviews about it, but when I received the plant, it was much smaller and less vibrant than the pictures showed. I also noticed that the leaves were already starting to turn yellow, which is not a good sign for a new plant. I tried my best to care for it, but it just didn't thrive like I expected. Overall, I would not recommend this plant based on my experience.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I regret purchasing the Spiraea Magic Carpet. The plant arrived in terrible condition, with droopy and wilted leaves. Despite following all the care instructions, the plant did not recover and eventually died within a couple of weeks. It was a waste of money and I am extremely disappointed with the quality. I would definitely not purchase this plant again.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for the Spiraea Magic Carpet, but it turned out to be a letdown. The plant arrived looking dry and unhealthy, with several brown and dead branches. I tried my best to revive it, but it just didn't seem to respond well to any care. It is a shame because the plant had such potential, but I cannot recommend it based on my experience.
4. Amy - 2/5 stars - The Spiraea Magic Carpet did not live up to its name. It arrived with several broken branches and wilted leaves. Despite my best efforts to provide proper care and prevent further damage, the plant continued to decline. It never fully recovered and eventually died. I was very disappointed with the quality of the plant and would not recommend it.