Japanese spirea Spiraea japonica Magic Carpet = 'Walbuma' (PBR) (v)
ABOUT
The Magic Carpet Spirea is a vibrant and colorful shrub that brings a splash of color to any garden space. The leaves emerge a bright golden-yellow in the spring, soft and lush, and as they mature, they transition into a light lime green color. One of the most striking features of this spirea is its new growth, which is a fiery orange-red, adding a bold contrast against the more established leaves. Come summer, the shrub becomes adorned with clusters of deep pink flowers that form flat-topped, circular heads. These blossoms provide a stunning contrast against the foliage and are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, bringing life and movement to the garden. The Magic Carpet Spirea's overall shape is mounded, creating a rounded, bushy appearance with its dense, fine-textured foliage. Its branches tend to be slender and flexible, contributing to its soft, casual form that fits well in both formal garden settings and more natural landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Spirea, Japanese Meadowsweet, Maybush.
Common names
Spiraea japonica 'Walbuma', Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet'.
ToxicityTo humans
Japanese Spirea is not commonly listed as a toxic plant for humans. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities may exist. In general, ingesting any part of the plant is unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset, but if significant quantites are consumed or symptoms are severe, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
Japanese Spirea is generally not regarded as a highly toxic plant for pets either. That said, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large amounts, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large part of this plant and is showing adverse symptoms, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: The Magic Carpet Spirea is known for being easy to cultivate, being adaptable to a variety of soils and conditions.
- Colorful foliage: It offers vibrant foliage that changes color throughout the seasons – from bronze-red when new, to yellow-green in summer, to rich russet tones in fall.
- Attractive flowers: It produces clusters of deep pink flowers in late spring to early summer, adding a splash of color to garden spaces.
- Compact size: The Magic Carpet Spirea has a smaller, more compact form compared to other spireas, making it suitable for smaller gardens or landscaping areas.
- Low maintenance: This cultivar requires minimal maintenance, which is advantageous for gardeners seeking a hassle-free plant.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it ideal for sustainable or low-water-use gardens.
- Pest and disease resistance: It typically resists pests and diseases well, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers can attract butterflies and other pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.
- Deer resistant: The plant is less palatable to deer than other garden selections, providing a measure of resistance to wildlife browsing.
- Year-round interest: Its evolving foliage colors and summer blooms make the Magic Carpet Spirea a plant with multi-season garden interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Accent in aquatic gardens: Spiraea japonica can be planted near ponds or water features for a pop of color and textural contrast.
- Insectary plant in permaculture gardens: Magic Carpet spirea can attract beneficial insects that aid in pest control and pollination within permaculture systems.
- Crafting natural dyes: The leaves and flowers may be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or paper, producing unique shades.
- Photography backdrop: The vibrant foliage and blooms of Magic Carpet spirea can serve as a picturesque backdrop for portrait photography.
- Fairy gardens: The small size and dense foliage make it an ideal plant for creating whimsical fairy or miniature gardens.
- Living fences: Planted in a row, Magic Carpet spirea can form a low, colorful hedge or "living fence" to define garden boundaries.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use the plant's form and color as inspiration for paintings, drawings, or textile designs.
- Erosion control on banks: When planted on slopes, the root system of spirea may help prevent soil erosion.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried spirea flowers can be used in floral arrangements to add texture and a touch of whimsy.
- Seasonal celebrations: Branches of Magic Carpet spirea with autumn foliage can be used in fall decorations, wreaths, and centerpieces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese spirea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese spirea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Transformation and Adaptability: The name "Magic Carpet" itself suggests a sense of wonder and the ability to adapt and transform, much like the change of colors in the foliage of Spiraea japonica throughout the seasons.
- Grace and Beauty: Japanese spirea, as it's commonly known, is valued for its graceful shape and beautiful clusters of flowers, symbolizing both aesthetic beauty and the gracefulness of nature.
- Happiness and Celebration: In Japan, spirea blooms are associated with happiness and are often used in gardens and floral arrangements during joyous celebrations.
WaterThe Japanese Spirea 'Magic Carpet' should be watered deeply to encourage a strong root system, generally once a week during the growing season. Increase watering to twice a week during periods of extreme heat or drought. Each watering session should provide the plant with about 1 gallon of water, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant goes dormant, and the soil will retain moisture longer. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightJapanese Spirea 'Magic Carpet' thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting in a spot that gets morning sunlight and afternoon shade can help protect the foliage from intense heat. Too much shade may result in fewer blooms and a less vibrant foliage color.
TemperatureJapanese Spirea 'Magic Carpet' is hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 90°F. However, the ideal growing temperature range is between 60°F and 75°F. This plant is quite adaptable and can survive in varying temperatures, but extreme cold or heat for prolonged periods may damage the plant.
PruningPrune Japanese Spirea 'Magic Carpet' in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning is done to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and enhance flowering. Cut back the previous year's growth to a set of strong buds to stimulate. Annual pruning also helps remove any dead or diseased branches. The best time for more substantial pruning is immediately after the plant blooms if you need to manage size or rejuvenate an older shrub.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Spirea 'Magic Carpet' thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand in equal parts creates an ideal environment for root growth.
RepottingJapanese Spirea 'Magic Carpet' is a garden shrub and typically does not require repotting as it is not commonly grown in containers.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Spirea 'Magic Carpet' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does well in the average outdoor humidity found in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoors; needs full sun, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, well-drained soil, and prune to shape.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Spiraea japonica Magic Carpet, commonly known as Japanese Spirea, begins with seed germination, which is influenced by the warmth and moisture of spring. Following germination, the seedling emerges and establishes itself, developing roots and foliage through a juvenile phase. The plant then enters a vegetative state where it experiences rapid growth and expands its root system, branches, and leaves. Once mature, which may take several years, the Japanese Spirea starts the reproductive phase, producing clusters of vibrant pink flowers in late spring to early summer that attract pollinators. After pollination and fertilization, the plant produces small seed capsules, which mature and release seeds, completing the cycle. Throughout its life, typically more than a decade, the Japanese Spirea experiences annual cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy, particularly in regions with cold winters.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating Spiraea japonica Magic Carpet or Japanese spiraea is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender but mature enough to be trimmed. From the shrub, cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) are taken just below a node and any leaves on the lower half are removed. The cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then placed in a well-draining soil mixture. Ideally, the cuttings are kept under conditions of high humidity with filtered light until they establish roots and are ready to be transplanted.
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