Magic Carpet Spirea

Spiraea japonica ‘Magic Carpet’

Magic Carpet Spirea is a compact, low-maintenance deciduous shrub that offers vibrant red-orange new growth, golden-green summer foliage, and pink flower clusters in early summer. It is cold-hardy (Zone 3-8), drought-tolerant, and highly adaptable, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, borders, mass plantings, and low hedges in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-8 (very winter-hardy, suitable for prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall, 2-3 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate (12-18 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage color and blooms in 6+ hours of sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid waterlogged conditions—spirea does not like overly wet roots.
• Spacing: 2-3 feet apart for mass planting, 3+ feet apart for individual shrubs.

Watering

• Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 1-2 times per week to establish roots.
• Established Shrubs: Drought-tolerant; water every 2-3 weeks in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture, but ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Shrubs:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to encourage growth and flowering.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, diseased, or weak branches to promote healthy new growth.
  • Cut back by one-third in early spring to maintain compact shape and encourage fresh, colorful foliage.
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers in late summer.

Flowering & Foliage

• Bloom Time: Early summer (June-July), with possible reblooming in late summer if deadheaded
• Flower Color: Bright pink clusters
• Foliage:
  • New growth: Red to orange tones in spring
  • Summer foliage: Golden-green
  • Fall foliage: Fiery orange-red

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Deer, drought, and urban pollution

Common Pests:

• Aphids – May cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce ladybugs.
• Spider Mites – Can cause yellowing or speckled leaves in dry conditions.
  • Solution: Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew – White fungal coating on leaves.
  • Solution: Improve airflow and apply fungicide if needed.
• Leaf Spot (Fungal or Bacterial) – Causes brown spots on foliage.
  • Solution: Avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy—no special protection needed.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to insulate roots.
• Pruning in Late Winter: Cutting back in early spring will promote fresh, colorful growth in the new season.

Landscape Uses

Great for low hedges, borders, and foundation plantings
Compact, easy-care, and drought-tolerant
Bright seasonal color with red, gold, and orange foliage
Deer-resistant and adaptable to most soils
Attracts butterflies and pollinators

Additional Notes:

• Magic Carpet Spirea is one of the best compact, colorful shrubs, providing multi-season interest with its vibrant foliage and flowers.
• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.
• Works well in rock gardens, cottage gardens, mass plantings, or as a border shrub.

Photo courtesy of Jeffries Nurseries