Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica 'Walbuma' MAGIC CARPET)
Discover Spiraea japonica 'Walbuma' MAGIC CARPET, a low-maintenance Japanese spirea offering bright pink blooms from June to October.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET is a highly valued, compact deciduous shrub renowned for its extended seasonal color display. This cultivar of Japanese spirea provides bright pink blooms that persist from early summer well into the fall, offering reliable color when many other shrubs are fading. Its compact size and impressive adaptability make it a staple for modern low-maintenance landscapes.
This specific variety, often sold as MAGIC CARPET, is celebrated for its foliage transformation, starting red and maturing to golden hues in full sun, adding critical textural and color contrast. As a low-maintenance variety, the Japanese spirea is exceptionally easy to care for, requiring little attention beyond routine pruning to maintain its neat, mounded habit.
The dense, spreading nature of Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET provides excellent ground cover benefits and erosion control, while its tolerance for various soil conditions broadens its appeal. Gardeners appreciate this shrub for its robust nature, attractive flowers, and minimal susceptibility to serious pest or disease issues.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: June to October
- Bloom Description: Bright pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For best performance, plant Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET in the spring or fall when soil temperatures are moderate. Ideal placement requires full sun exposure, which maximizes the vibrant gold coloration of the mature leaves; however, it will tolerate light shade, though the foliage may become greener. This shrub is adaptable, thriving in average, well-drained soils, though it appreciates richer, moist loams.
Water needs are medium; ensure consistent moisture, especially following initial planting to establish a strong root system. Fertilization is rarely necessary in average soils. The primary cultural task for this Japanese spirea is pruning. Since it blooms on new wood, pruning should occur in late winter or early spring to shape the plant or remove winter damage.
Light shearing immediately after the main flush of bloom can encourage sparse repeat flowering throughout the summer into October. Be aware that Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET can spread by suckering and may be an aggressive self-seeder in some eastern US locations, so site selection is important to manage its spread.
Landscape Uses
The diminutive stature of Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET makes it incredibly versatile. It excels when used as a low hedge lining pathways or bordering walkways, providing neat, year-round structure. It is perfectly suited for mass plantings in shrub borders where its continuous color display from June to October is desired.
Its compact size also integrates seamlessly into foundation plantings near homes or commercial buildings where larger shrubs would overwhelm the architecture. Consider using this golden-leaved shrub as a specimen accent in rock gardens, contrasting its low profile against larger, darker green backdrop plants.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Spiraea japonica, commonly called Japanese spirea, is a dense, upright, mounded, deciduous shrub that typically grows 4-6’ tall with a slightly larger spread. ‘Walbuma’, commonly sold under the trade name MAGIC CARPET, was bred by David R. Tristam and is selected for its compact and spreading habit with terminal clusters of small bright pink flowers; its young shoots and leaves emerge red and mature to shades of gold depending on sun exposure. The genus name, Speira, comes from the Greek word meaning wreath, referencing the showy flower clusters typical of the shrub.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Erosion
- Clay Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Spireas are generally robust, and this Japanese spirea has no known serious insect or disease problems. However, like other members of the rose family, they can occasionally be susceptible to issues such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and fire blight. Infestations like aphids, scale, or leaf rollers are possible but usually manageable with general horticultural practices. Maintaining good air circulation through proper spacing and timely pruning helps mitigate fungal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET suitable for?
This tough shrub performs well across USDA Zones 3 through 8, offering reliable perennial performance across a wide climatic range.
How large does Japanese spirea grow?
Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET is quite small, typically reaching heights between 1 to 2 feet and spreading 2 to 3 feet wide at maturity.
What sun exposure does Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET need?
For the best performance and leaf color, this shrub absolutely requires full sun exposure, though it tolerates light shade.
When does Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET bloom?
This variety has an extended bloom period, producing its bright pink flowers reliably from June all the way through October.
Conclusion
The Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET offers exceptional value due to its compact size, low maintenance needs, and long blooming window featuring bright pink flowers. This Japanese spirea is an outstanding choice for adding reliable texture and color to smaller spaces or mass plantings. Before planting, confirm that your site provides the necessary full sun exposure to maximize the golden leaf tones of your new Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET.
Companion Planting
When designing borders featuring this Japanese spirea, select companions that thrive in full sun and share similar medium water needs. Plants with contrasting leaf colors, such as dark green hostas situated near the edge of a partial shade area, or deep purple foliage plants like certain sedums or heucheras, create strong visual interest next to the golden leaves of MAGIC CARPET. Consider pairing it with other reliable, low-maintenance bloomers like ornamental grasses or sturdy perennials such as Coneflowers (Echinacea) for textural variety throughout the summer.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the critical time for pruning Spiraea japonica ‘Walbuma’ MAGIC CARPET; aim for late winter or early spring before new growth significantly emerges to shape the plant and encourage fresh bloom wood. As summer progresses, deadhead spent flowers lightly if you wish to promote sparse repeat blooming later in the season. In fall, while the foliage turns a lovely russet color, minimal care is required; avoid heavy fertilizing at this time. Winter protection generally involves minimal effort in its hardiness range (Zones 3-8), as this deciduous shrub is very cold-tolerant once established.
