Spiraea japonica Magic Carpet

Synonyms: Spiraea japonica 'Walbuma'

Spiraea japonica Magic Carpet (Spiraea japonica Magic Carpet) – a cultivar of the species Spiraea japonica of the genus Spiraea in the Rose family (Rosaceae). It was bred by David R. Tristam of Walberton Nursery in West Sussex, England. It was selected from third-generation self-pollinated seedlings of Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'. US Patent No. PP9,363 issued November 7, 1995. This cultivar is a recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

It is a dwarf, dense, spreading shrub up to 0,6 м in height and up to 1 м in width. Annual growth 15-20 см. Branches are stiff, spreading, straight. Young shoots bright red, pubescent, later glabrous.

Leaves lanceolate; young ones orange-red, older ones – bright yellow.

Flowers bright pink, appear in late June and look very striking against the dazzlingly bright foliage.

Fruits ripen in October. Seeds up to 2,5 мм in length, located in small glossy capsules.

Hardiness zone: zone 4a (-25°C).

Location: prefers open sunny sites with soil rich in organic matter. Tolerant of urban conditions.

Planting: Size of the planting hole: 50х50 см. Soil mix: turf or leaf soil, peat and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio. When planting, drainage of broken brick and sand is recommended, in a layer of 15 см. In group plantings, spacing between plants not less than 1,5 м. Planting can be done in autumn (before the end of leaf fall) or in early spring, before the start of vegetation. To create low borders, shrubs are planted at a distance of 0,3-0,5 м from each other.

Care: In hot periods it is recommended to water at a rate of 1 bucket per shrub 2 times a month. In the first years after planting it is recommended to loosen the root circle and mulch with a layer of peat of 7 см.

Pruning: tolerates clipping and pruning well, has good shoot-forming ability. In spring shoots are shortened to a length of 15-20 см, in summer the spent shoots are shortened. Every 2-3 years thinning of the crown is recommended, removing old and diseased shoots (shoot lifespan – 6 years). To rejuvenate shrubs, all shoots should be cut back to a height of 25-30 см above the ground.

Propagation: propagated by cuttings; seed germination is low.

Diseases: practically not affected.

Pests: spider mite (Fosfamid (0.2) or Karbofos (0.3%)), aphids (Pirimor (0.1)), rose tortrix, miner.

Uses: used for single and group plantings, for creating low borders in rockeries, flower beds, alpine gardens and other landscape compositions. Suitable for growing in a pot and as a groundcover. Often used in linear plantings under the canopy of avenue trees, as well as for decorating the outer lower part of a fence or plinth from the street.>