The magic carpet and candy corn spirea are two popular choices for ornamental shrubs in gardens and landscapes. Both offer unique features and can add color and interest to any outdoor space. The magic carpet spirea, known scientifically as Spiraea japonica 'Magic Carpet,' is a compact and low-growing shrub. It typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet and has a spreading habit. The magic carpet spirea features vibrant foliage that changes colors throughout the seasons. In spring, the leaves emerge a bright red, then transition to a yellowish-green hue during the summer.
Full sun brings out the brightest colors, so give it a sunny spot. Once it's established in your yard, it becomes drought tolerant.
Thomas Ranney is a professor at North Carolina State University, and he runs the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, where new plants are bred using all the skills of professional plant breeding. With delicate, lacey rose-pink flowers atop mint-green foliage, it is among Miller s favorite spirea for its dense, naturally mounding habit and its longevity in the garden when well-maintained.
In spring, the leaves emerge a bright red, then transition to a yellowish-green hue during the summer. In the fall, they turn a captivating orange-red color. Along with its colorful foliage, the magic carpet spirea produces small clusters of pink flowers in late spring and early summer.
Double Play® Candy Corn Spirea
The Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea is a new colorful replacement for the old Goldflame spirea, which is much more colorful and exciting. The new leaves are orange red, and they continue like that all summer. As the leaves mature they turn pineapple yellow, and then chartreuse green. Flower clusters are produced all summer, in a rich purple-pink. Fall colors are spectacular, from yellow and orange to red and purple. All this on a compact 2-foot bush that is incredibly tough and reliable. Grow it wherever you need color, in beds, as edging, as a low hedge, or in pots. You can never have too much of this great plant in your garden.
- New growth is orange-red
- Leaves mature to gold and chartreuse
- Fall colors or red, yellow, orange and purple
- Flowers all summer in purple-pink
- Sterile and completely non-invasive
The Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea will be at its colorful best in full sun, but it also grows in some partial shade. It thrives in poor soil, and in all conditions, including urban gardens, as long as the soil is not constantly wet. Established plants are drought resistant and normally free of pests or diseases. This plant has been bred to be sterile, so it does not seed and it can never become invasive.
Even old favorites can use an update, so we were thrilled to see an improved and more colorful version of the old Goldflame spirea arrive on our farm. Everyone loves these colorful little spireas, because they are so useful in shrub beds for all-season color, and they are so amazingly durable and tough as well. When we first saw the Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea in spring we couldn’t believe the brilliance and showiness of the candy apple red new growth. It really popped in the garden, adding so much color for so little work. Then the leaves turned a great golden yellow, and since the new leaves continue to be red, it remains bright all season. In fall the bush becomes a kaleidoscope of colors, from reds, yellows and oranges to purples.
The flat heads of dark purple-pink flowers that come out all summer take it to another level of brightness. They do not produce seed, so there are no seed heads to remove, and this plant is completely non-invasive and safe to grow anywhere. It is time to forget the old Goldflame, and if you have some tired old plants of it around your garden, it’s time to let them go and bring in the new generation.
This shrub is easy to maintain and is often used as a ground cover or edging plant. On the other hand, the candy corn spirea, scientifically known as Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor' or 'Candy Corn,' is a deciduous shrub that reaches a slightly larger size than the magic carpet spirea. It can grow up to 3 feet tall with a similar spread. The candy corn spirea earned its name due to its unique foliage colors that resemble the candy corn candy typically associated with Halloween. The leaves emerge in spring with a vibrant orange color, which then transforms into a rich yellow as summer progresses. In fall, the foliage transitions to a deep red, adding a bold pop of color to the landscape. Like the magic carpet spirea, the candy corn spirea also produces clusters of white flowers in late spring and early summer. This shrub works well as a border plant, mass planting, or even in containers. Both the magic carpet and candy corn spirea thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-draining soil. They are relatively low-maintenance shrubs that require minimal pruning. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, will ensure their optimal growth and vibrant foliage display. In conclusion, the magic carpet and candy corn spirea are two excellent choices for adding color and interest to any garden or landscape design. Whether you prefer the magic carpet's changing foliage or the candy corn's vibrant colors, both shrubs offer captivating visual appeal and are a great addition to any outdoor space..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Magic of Carpet Spirea: A Gardener's Dream"
1. Jane Doe - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the "Magic carpet vs candy corn spirea" book. The plot was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow along with the story. The characters were also poorly developed, and I found it difficult to connect with any of them. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster and uninspiring, leaving me feeling bored and uninterested in continuing with the book. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others.
2. John Smith - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Magic carpet vs candy corn spirea" based on the hyped-up reviews, but it fell flat for me. The story lacked depth and originality, feeling like a recycled version of other fantasy novels. The pacing was also off, with slow and drawn-out sections that made it a struggle to stay engaged. I was also disappointed in the dialogue, which felt forced and unnatural. While the concept had potential, the execution was lacking, making it difficult to fully enjoy this book.
3. Samantha Johnson - 2 stars
Unfortunately, "Magic carpet vs candy corn spirea" was not my cup of tea. The world-building felt half-hearted and incomplete, leaving many questions unanswered. The magic system was inconsistent and poorly explained, adding unnecessary confusion to the story. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to care about their fates. Despite my initial excitement, this book failed to live up to my expectations and left me feeling unsatisfied.