Magic Carpet Spirea works perfectly in foundation plantings, borders, or containers with its compact rounded shape. Plant in full sun for brightest foliage colors and most abundant pink blooms. After the June flower display, shear back by 1/3 to encourage summer reblooming.

Magic Carpet Spirea

Name: Magic Carpet Spirea
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 00225E
Price: 21.81 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)

Spirea japonica 'Walbuma'

Burgundy Spring Foliage Transforms to Russet Fall in One Compact Magic Carpet Spirea
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 2 ft Wide
Showy Pink Blooms From Late Spring to Late Summer
Pollinator-Friendly Shrub

$21⁸¹

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Hedge/Screen, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1-2 ft
Width	2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Pink
Foliage Color	Yellow, Other, Red, Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Spirea japonica 'Walbuma'
Species	japonica
Cultivar	Walbuma
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Colorful Compact Magic Carpet Spirea!

Colorful, Carefree Shrub
Burgundy New Spring Growth
Bright Pink Flowers in Early Summer
Reblooming
Rounded Shape
Rich Russet Fall Color
Drought Tolerant
Small-Footprint & Planter Sized

Get a huge boost of charm with this well-behaved, useful shrub. Magic Carpet Spirea (Spirea japonica 'Walbuma'), is a colorful, rounded shrub that fits almost anywhere in the landscape. If you want a color show all season long, try this easy care rounded plant.

You'll love how easy it is to grow this little shrub. This pretty shrub is actually one tough little plant. Perfect for experienced gardeners and total newbies alike. And the color is absolutely remarkable!

In spring, new growth is soft burgundy and the foliage quickly brightens to vibrant lime green and is decorated with an amazing June flower display of pink flower clusters. Get ready to watch the butterflies dance over this welcome nectar source!

Once that first big flush is done, shear the whole plant back by 1/3 with hedge clippers. Tidy homeowners will love this crisp, clean look.

This minimal pruning task takes just a few minutes and will encourage a large rebloom later in the summer. Magic Carpet Spirea is a beauty, and with some judicious deadheading and the right climate, the flowers will rebloom until November.

Now, on the other hand - if you are swamped this summer, you can choose to do absolutely nothing at all to this plant. It will still look great, grow into a nice, naturally rounded, shape and give you a second small flush of blooms later in the summer.

In fall, the foliage turns rich, russet tones that remain colorful well into the winter months. Magic Carpet Spirea is an outstanding landscape plant, perfect for foundation plantings, and included in patio plantings.

Full sun brings out the brightest colors, so give it a sunny spot. Once it's established in your yard, it becomes drought tolerant.

If you want some fall fireworks in your garden, make Magic Carpet Spirea your centerpiece! Order yours today and get ready for a fabulous color display.

How to Use Magic Carpet Spirea in the Landscape

You'll find a million places to tuck in one or two of these beautiful small shrubs. Add a few to each planting bed to help unify your landscape design, without all the fuss and maintenance!

You could also go big and use a mass planting to maximize the impact! To create a solid hedge, plant 12" - 18" apart on center. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next. Increase the spacing to 2 - 3 feet apart for individual plants. For a larger planting, use a zig-zag planting pattern. Mulch between the plants and keep new mass plantings weeded.

Use several shrubs along the edge of a sunny path, sidewalk or in a berm planting in the front yard. Brighten up rugged rock gardens, or other tough and dry planting sites. Add as facer shrubs for mixed shrub borders.

Magic Carpet Spirea does well in lush container gardens that work on your patio from spring to fall. Dress them up with other grasses and annuals or use several shrubs together in a single display. Small enough to include in established landscapes and small urban yards alike!

These shrubs are butterfly magnets. The changing color of this Spirea variety adds to its appeal. Your garden will benefit in each phase of the growing season.

The plant is quite often used for erosion control where it is mass planted to secure hillsides. Popular for city plantings, Magic Carpet is very tolerant of commercial settings and urban environments.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Give this sun lover as much sun as you can in your landscape. It prefers well-drained soil but is versatile. Add a layer of mulch to 2 feet outside of the plant. This will keep the roots cool and cut down on surface evaporation.

Each year, you'll rejuvenate the plant if you give it a light trim. Do it in early spring before the new growth emerges or wait until the first flush of flowers have faded. Remove a third of the growth, and you'll be rewarded with a second bloom.

There are no serious insect or disease problems. Magic Carpet tolerates a wide range of soils and is easy to grow.

If Magic Carpet Spirea does a little too well in your area, don't worry. Nature Hills uses Plant Sentry™ system to protect your community from regulated plant materials.

Take a colorful ride with this marvelous Magic Carpet Spirea. You'll love the way it performs so well for you, without fuss or muss. Order this wonderful small shrub today!

Other varieties

Double Play® Red Spirea
Double Play® Red Spiraea japonica 'SMNSJMFR' USPP 26,993

(3)

Regular price From $43¹²
Double Play Doozie® Spirea
Spirea japonica DOUBLE PLAY Doozie 'NCSX2'

(3)

Regular price From $43⁰³
Snowmound Spirea
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound'

(3)

Regular price $72⁷⁶
Glow Girl® Spirea
Glow Girl Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor Gold'

(5)

Regular price From $82⁵⁸
Goldmound Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'Goldmound'

(12)

Regular price From $19⁹⁹
Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea
Spiraea japonica 'NCSX1'

(7)

Regular price From $72⁹³
Double Play Big Bang®Spiraea
Spiraea 'Tracy'

Regular price From $26⁴⁹
Double Play Dolly® Spirea
Spiraea x 'SMNSJSA' PP35,032

Regular price From $26⁴⁹

Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

Magic Carpet Spirea

The spirea are beginning to bloom. So far so good!

Hello Guest,

Thank you so much for sharing your update on the Magic Carpet Spirea! We're delighted to hear that it's beginning to bloom and that your planting experience has been positive so far. These hardy shrubs truly add wonderful color and texture when they flourish.

If you’re looking to encourage even more vibrant blooms as the season progresses, make sure the spirea receives ample sunlight—full to partial sun works best. Also, keeping the soil consistently moist but well-drained will help your plants stay healthy and vigorous.

Should you have any questions or want tips on caring for your spirea or other plants, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to assist and support you on your gardening journey!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Magic Carpet Spirea

The spirea are beginning to bloom. So far so good!

Dear Marie,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful update about your Magic Carpet Spirea! We’re delighted to hear that your plants are beginning to bloom and that everything is going well so far. There’s truly something special about seeing those first vibrant blossoms appear.

If you have any questions as your spirea continue to grow or if you’re looking for care tips to keep them thriving, feel free to reach out. We also offer detailed guides on pruning and fertilizing to help you get the most from your plants throughout the season.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

master

I Lowe magic carpet;pruned correctly is a very consistant asnd attrasctive asddittion to any landscape

Hi Kim,

Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with the Magic Carpet Spirea! We're delighted to hear that, when pruned correctly, it stays consistent and adds attractive flair to your landscape. Proper pruning truly makes a noticeable difference in keeping this plant looking its best year after year.

If you ever need tips on seasonal pruning techniques or ways to enhance your Magic Carpet Spirea’s growth even further, feel free to reach out. We’re always here to help you get the most out of your garden gems.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Experienced

One of the best shrubs on the market for ease of care. Very hardy. Attractive all season. A great blender in the border. Outstanding color combinations on this shrub from lime green to hot pink to soft burgundy red.

Hi Cherie,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Magic Carpet Spirea! We’re thrilled to hear how much you appreciate its hardiness, ease of care, and vibrant, season-long colors. It’s truly a versatile shrub that adds so much life and depth to borders, and your description of its color transitions—from lime green to hot pink to soft burgundy red—beautifully highlights why it’s such a favorite.

If you ever want tips on encouraging continued bloom or suggestions on companion plants to complement your spirea’s striking colors, we’d be happy to help! Also, be sure to prune lightly after blooming to maintain its shape and encourage profuse flowering in years to come.

Thanks again for your thoughtful review—it’s always inspiring to hear from passionate gardeners like you.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Experienced

Hi Cherie,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Magic Carpet Spirea! We’re delighted to hear that this hardy, low-maintenance shrub has been such a versatile and colorful addition to your garden. Your description of its vibrant color palette and adaptability as a great border blender truly captures what makes this plant stand out.

If you ever want to enhance your planting design further, those shifting hues from lime green to hot pink and burgundy can beautifully complement both early spring blooms and late-season perennials. To keep your Magic Carpet Spirea thriving, a little regular pruning after flowering encourages denser growth and maintains its shape throughout the seasons.

Should you have any questions or desire tips on companion plants that pair well with these striking colors, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your gardening journey!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

master

I Lowe magic carpet;pruned correctly is a very consistant asnd attrasctive asddittion to any landscape

Hi Kim,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about the Magic Carpet Spirea! We're delighted to hear that with the right pruning, it’s proven to be such a consistent and attractive addition to your landscape. Proper pruning indeed helps maintain its vibrant appearance and encourages healthy growth, so you’re absolutely right to give it the care it needs.

If you ever want to keep your Magic Carpet Spirea looking its best, a light pruning in early spring to remove any winter damage or to shape the plant can make a big difference. Also, it appreciates full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil to thrive beautifully.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like more tips or plant suggestions to complement your gardening projects.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How to use?

Magic Carpet Spirea works perfectly in foundation plantings, borders, or containers with its compact rounded shape. Plant in full sun for brightest foliage colors and most abundant pink blooms. After the June flower display, shear back by 1/3 to encourage summer reblooming.

What planting zones is Magic Carpet Spirea hardy in?

Magic Carpet Spirea is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for most of the United States. This tough little shrub handles both cold winters and hot summers with ease. For best results, plant it in full sun to bring out the brightest foliage colors, available at naturehills.com.

How tall and wide does Magic Carpet Spirea grow at maturity?

Magic Carpet Spirea reaches 18-24 inches tall and wide at maturity, forming a naturally rounded, compact shape. This small footprint makes it perfect for foundation plantings, borders, or containers. Plant it in full sun for the best foliage colors and flowering performance.

Does Magic Carpet Spirea need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Magic Carpet Spirea performs best in full sun, where it develops the brightest foliage colors and most abundant blooms. While it can tolerate some partial shade, you'll get less vibrant burgundy spring growth and fewer pink flowers. Plant in the sunniest spot available for optimal color display.

What type of soil does Magic Carpet Spirea prefer and what pH level?

Magic Carpet Spirea thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. This adaptable shrub tolerates various soil types once established and becomes drought tolerant. Plant in full sun for the brightest foliage colors and best flowering performance available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water Magic Carpet Spirea after planting?

Water newly planted Magic Carpet Spirea regularly for the first growing season to establish roots. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during this period. Once established, this drought-tolerant shrub needs minimal watering except during extended dry spells.

Is Magic Carpet Spirea deer resistant?

Magic Carpet Spirea is generally deer resistant, though hungry deer may occasionally browse it during harsh winters or droughts. The plant's tough nature and compact size make it less appealing to deer than many other shrubs. Plant it in sunny locations where it thrives best for maximum deer resistance.

How much pruning does Magic Carpet Spirea require for maintenance?

Magic Carpet Spirea requires minimal pruning for best performance. After the June bloom, shear the entire plant back by 1/3 with hedge clippers to encourage a strong summer rebloom. This quick task takes just minutes and keeps the plant tidy and flowering through fall.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Magic Carpet Spirea

Spirea japonica 'Walbuma'

Colorful Compact Magic Carpet Spirea!