How to Grow Magic Carpet Spirea - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Magic carpet spirea is a plant that is native to China and Japan. It is a member of the rose family and has small, pink flowers. The plant grows to be about two feet tall and four feet wide. The leaves are green and the flowers blooming from early summer to early fall.

How to Grow Magic Carpet Spirea - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Medium to large shrubs
  • Great for hedges and topiaries
  • Plant in full sun to part shade
  • Drought tolerant once established
  • Grows 6-10 ft. tall and wide

Things to Know

  • What is magic carpet spirea?
  • How does it grow?
  • What are its flowers like?
  • How does it propagate?
  • What are its leaves like?
  • What are its fruits like?
  • What is its native range?
  • What is its typical habitat?
  • How does it benefit humans?
  • What are some of the challenges it faces?

Related plant:
Hebe Magic Summer

Planting Process

  1. For magic carpet spirea, first step is to find a planting site. It should be in full sun to partial shade and have well-drained soil.
  2. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant’s root ball and just as deep.
  3. Loosen the roots of the plant and spread them out in the hole.
  4. Fill in the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  5. Water the plant well.
  6. Place a layer of mulch around the plant, but not touching the stem.
  7. Fertilize the plant in early spring and again in mid-summer.
  8. Prune the plant in late winter to shape it.
  9. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful magic carpet spirea!

Related plant:
October Magic Camellia

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the magic carpet spirea prefers well-drained soil. The plant is tolerant to both drought and heat once it becomes established. It can handle some light shade but does best in full sun.

About light

Similar to other types of spirea, the magic carpet spirea does best in full sun. It will tolerate some shade, but will bloom less in shady areas. This shrub is quite tolerant of different soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for the magic carpet spirea is rather warm. It prefers locations that have an average temperature of around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. However, it can also tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to about 10 degrees Celsius. For the most part, this plant is quite resistant to cold weather and can even handle some snowfall without any problems.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is moderate. They do best in average to slightly above average humidity. They can however tolerate lower humidity levels as long as they are not too hot and dry. If the atmosphere is too dry, the leaves may begin to turn brown and drop off.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this kind of plant need high phosphorus and low nitrogen, so you can use bone meal or rock phosphate. Also, when you plant it, try to plant the crown of the plant about an inch below the soil surface to encourage new root growth.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for your magic carpet spirea. By pruning, you can encourage new growth and keep your plant healthy. Magic carpet spireas are fast-growing plants, so they will benefit from being pruned yearly. You can prune your magic carpet spirea in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

The Propagation

Propagation of magic carpet spirea is typically done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft and flexible. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and placed in a rooting hormone before being inserted into a well-draining rooting medium. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's age, with younger plants typically growing faster than older ones. However, other factors such as the plant's environment and its overall health can also affect its growth rate. Generally speaking, magic carpet spirea plants that are well-cared-for and growing in favorable conditions will have a faster growth rate than those that are not.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and diseases. Pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and mites can attack the plant and cause damage. Diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust can also affect the plant. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the plant healthy and free from stress.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to keep the ground around magic carpet spirea clear of debris and weeds so the plant can receive maximum sunlight.
  • Water magic carpet spirea deeply but only when the topsoil is dry to the touch.
  • Fertilize magic carpet spirea every other month using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune magic carpet spirea regularly to maintain its compact growth habit and to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them promptly if found.
  • Place magic carpet spirea in an area of your garden that receives full sun for best results.
  • Container-grown magic carpet spirea can be replanted every few years to refresh the soil and promote new growth.
  • After flowering has finished, cut back the stems of magic carpet spirea by about one-third to encourage fresh growth.
  • Magic carpet spirea

You May Like

  • Altaclara™ ‘Coppertodd’ (neon spirea)
  • Bridal Wreath spirea
  • Bridalwreath spirea
  • Bridal Wreath spirea
  • Bridalwreath spirea
  • Bridal Wreath spirea
  • Candytuft
  • Candytuft
  • Candytuft
  • Clethra

Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea
Magic Carpet - Team Building Activity | Campus Activities
Species: Spiraea japonica (or x bumalda) - Cornell University

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category