Magic Carpet^™ Japanese Spirea

© Great Plant Picks

© Great Plant Picks

© Great Plant Picks

Common Name: Magic Carpet™ Japanese Spirea

This small, deciduous shrub bursts-out in color in early spring revealing twigs covered in brilliant orange-yellow new growth. The foliage color softens to orange blushed chartreuse as it matures. In early summer lacey pancake-like clusters of glowing pink flowers grace the tips of its branches. MAGIC CARPET Japanese spirea maintains a more compact habit than many other selections and the golden-colored foliage is not prone to reverting to the typical green form. It is a great companion for yellow and orange foliage and flowers, try it with Heuchera 'Marmalade' or Rosa 'Golden Wings'. Use this Japanese spirea to hide the base of the vigorous hybrid trumpet vine, Campsis x tagliabuana 'Madame Galen'. The late-summer flowers of 'Madame Galen' would look fabulous with this spirea.

This small spirea prefers full sun to light or open shade. Plant it in rich moist to well-drained soil, although it will tolerate clay if the drainage is adequate. Provide regular water to this small shrub to keep it looking its best through the summer. A few older stems can be pruned to the ground in the winter every year. Alternatively, cut the entire shrub back to six to eight inches tall every three or four years and allow it to regrow.

(Source: Great Plant Picks)