shrub RHS Award

Magic Carpet Spirea

Name: Magic Carpet Spirea
Brand: Spiraea
Availability: InStock

Spiraea japonica 'Walbuma'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub, 15-20 years

Native To

Japan, China, Korea

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Spiraea japonica is a species of deciduous, mounding shrubs valued for their hardiness, summer flowers, and often colorful foliage. They are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions and are generally easy to grow. Magic Carpet ('Walbuma') is a vibrant, low-growing cultivar whose foliage provides a season-long show. The new growth emerges a brilliant red, matures to a bright yellow-gold, and contrasts beautifully with the clusters of deep pink flowers. In fall, the leaves turn a rich russet.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Magic Carpet Spirea is a workhorse for color in the landscape. Its dynamic, multi-hued foliage provides interest from spring through fall, complemented by a cheerful display of pink summer flowers. Its low, mounding habit is neat and tidy.

Its dense, low growth makes it an effective and beautiful groundcover, useful for suppressing weeds when planted in masses. It is an excellent choice for edging walkways, filling the front of borders, or cascading over low walls.

The flat-topped flower clusters are attractive to a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and beneficial hoverflies, making it a useful addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun for best color and flowering.
This plant is adaptable to most well-drained soils.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's container.
Place the plant in the hole, with the root ball top level with the soil.
Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently, and water thoroughly.
Mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture.

Pro Tip

For the most intense foliage color, provide at least six hours of direct sunlight and prune hard in late winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune back hard in late winter or early spring to encourage vigorous new growth.
Deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy and promote more blooms.
Provide consistent water, especially during its first year and in hot weather.
Plant in groups for a dramatic, low-maintenance groundcover.

Don't

Do not plant in deep shade, as foliage color will be poor and flowering sparse.
Avoid waterlogged or constantly wet soil.
Don't be afraid to prune it hard; it blooms on new wood.
Don't let it dry out completely, as this can stress the plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant low border or edging plantColorful mass planting or groundcoverEye-catching accent in rock gardens

Companion Plants

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' Heuchera 'Plum Pudding'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Magic Carpet Spirea questions

What zones can Magic Carpet Spirea grow in?

Magic Carpet Spirea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. 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 Spirea deer resistant?

Yes — Magic Carpet Spirea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Magic Carpet Spirea bloom?

Magic Carpet Spirea typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Magic Carpet Spirea need full sun?

Magic Carpet Spirea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Magic Carpet Spirea drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Magic Carpet Spirea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.