Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
24 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate, keep soil moist
Humidity
Average garden humidity
Lifespan
10-15 years
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Japanese spirea is a dense, upright, mounded, deciduous shrub that typically grows 4-6 feet tall and wide, known for its attractive flowers and foliage. New leaves emerge red, mature to a vibrant yellow-green, and turn a rich russet-red in the fall. Clusters of pink flowers cover the plant in summer.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
- Tuck young plants into prepared holes, spacing them 2-3 feet apart.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around roots.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and promote growth.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced shrub fertilizer for best results.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal issues.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape the shrub
- Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Fertilize early spring for vigorous growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid heavy fertilization in late summer
- Don’t plant in poorly drained soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea questions
What zones can Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea grow in?
Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea deer resistant?
Yes — Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea bloom?
Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea typically blooms in summer through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea need full sun?
Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Spiraea to compare
Double Play Red Spirea
Spiraea x bumalda 'Double Play Red'
Bumalda Spiraea Mix
Spiraea x bumalda 'Mix'
Hybrid Spirea
Spiraea x hybrida 'Mix'
Double Play Doozie Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Doozie'
Vanhoutte Spirea
Spiraea x vanhouttei 'Mix'
Double Play Candy Corn Spiraea
Spiraea japonica 'Double Play Candy Corn'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Magic Carpet Japanese Spirea with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
