Spiraea japonica 'Walbuma'

MAGIC CARPET® Japanese spirea

Deciduous Shrub

"Outstanding Qualities
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.

Culture Notes
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."—Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Afternoon Sun, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Average, Low, Regular / Even

Description

Size: 30 - 48 tall x 30 - 48 wide
Shape / Form: Rounded
Foliage Texture: Fine
Foliage Quality: Fine

Features: Attractive Foliage, Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies

Foliage Color: Chartreuse / Lime, Gold, Mutli-color, Orange, Yellow, Yellow / Gold

Flower Color: Pink
Bloom Season: Spring, Summer
Flower Shape: Cluster, Umbel

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Hedges and Screens, Massed, Mixed Border, Small Gardens
Wildlife: Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: mid-plane filler
Collections: Great Plant Pick

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: medium
Maintenance Tasks: Cut Back to Rejuvenate

Suitable Substitutes

Spiraea x bumalda 'Monhub' | Limemound Spirea
Spiraea x 'NCSX2' Double Play Doozie® |

Perfect Partners

Cotinus coggygria 'NCCO1' | Winecraft Black® Smokebush

Plant Combos

Foliage-Driven Plant Combo

Focus: Curb Appeal, Mixed Border, Pleasing Seasonal Flow, Saving Water, Small Space, Uses Easy-to-Find Plants
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun
Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9
view combo
Three-season Garden for Full Sun

Focus: Mixed Border, Saving Water
Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun
Zone: 6, 7, 8, 4, 5
view combo