An Informative Guide to Magic Carpet Spirea
Magic carpet spirea has the ability to brighten up and rejuvenate even the dullest garden or landscape. The bright russet red, pink, and chartreuse shades add an eye-popping flair to your garden and its compactness makes this spreading plant very easy to shape and tweak to suit your purposes. If your garden is in the need of a little spice, or you are already considering adding some magic carpet spirea, the following information may prove useful to you.
Uses
Aside from adding dramatic color to your garden, the magic carpet spirea can serve specific purposes as well. This plant is also excellent at attracting butterflies, one of its most popular uses.
In addition to this, this spirea acts as an admirable companion plant. If planted beneath bushes with unsightly “bare legs,” it can give off the impression of lovingly cushioning your bush. In fact, any sparse or bare area of your garden can easily be filled in with this plant.
Location, Location, Location
When deciding where to plant your magic carpet spirea, you need to take into consideration how much it spreads and grows. Each shrub on average will grow 8” per year in height and spread until it reaches a height of approximately 2’ – 3’. Some gardeners manipulate the shape and form, using the magic carpet spirea to line their walkways and surround their trees.
Whatever size you decide to allow your plant to grow to, keep in mind that it does best with maximum sunlight. While it is possible for this plant to grow in shady areas, you need to be aware that it will affect the vibrancy and saturation of hues. If you’d like a more subdued color palette, this may prove to be beneficial to you.
Planting
Refer to your plant’s care instructions regarding the optimal hole depth you should dig and specific soil types. Typically, you want the hole to be twice as deep and wide as the root system of your plant. Depending on where you live, however, you may need to treat or supplement your soil first. Speaking to a local nursery manager can provide you with invaluable information and some amazing planting tips from someone that is familiar with the soil quality in your region.
Care
This type of spirea does best with continually moist soil, although it is resilient enough to handle the occasional dry spell. A little special care is required after planting, however, to help your new plant overcome transplant shock and get it accustomed to your lawn and garden. Although this plant generally does not require any fertilizer, a preliminary dose right after planting will give it an extra boost. Aside from that, make sure you water it well, but don’t over-water.
Mulching is also recommended for this spirea. It will help keep the soil moist and regulated, as well as enhance the quality of the soil overtime as it biodegrades.
Pests and Plant Problems
Although these plants are resilient, they do attract the occasional pest. Aphids are a common pest, but can easily be taken care of by introducing a small population of ladybugs to your garden. In addition to aphids, scale insects and weevils have also been known to set up shop near this type of spirea as well.
Magic carpet spirea is also susceptible to powdery mildew, fireblight, and dieback, but ensuring your plant has good drainage and plenty of ventilation and fresh air can ensure that your garden will have healthy bursts of color all year long. If disease does set in, careful pruning of the infected areas using shears sanitized with bleach can go a long way to eradicating it.