The bag is then secured with a twist tie around the plant's base and placed in the shipping container/box and sent out for shipment. The plastic bag serves to keep the root base nice & moist while keeping the remaining soil with the roots. The root base of the plant is then misted down with water and put in a plastic bag. Prior to shipping, your plant(s) are removed from their pots and any loose, unnecessary soil removed. The Espoma Organic Plant Foods may be used at anytime. Best to fertilize in early spring, and again in mid fall - avoid feeding standard chemical fertilizers during hot summer months, and directly after transplanting. Other granular fertilizers with a 6 - 12 - 12, or 10 - 10 - 10 ratio can also be used - but we suggest using them at 1/2 - 3/4 strength to avoid any chemical burn issues to the root system of the plants. However, a water soluble type plant food (Miracle Gro, or equivalent ) are also acceptable options. We personally use, and recommend the Espoma line of organic plant foods, as they are super effective yet gentle enough to use on even the most delicate of evergreen species where fertilizer burn would normally be a major concern. Fertilization / Feeding : For maximum health & hardiness, we highly recommend a good grade granular ( preferably organic ) fertilizer / plant food for use with all of our plant species. Deer Resistance Rating : Lowest Resistance Highest Resistance Recommended Spacing : 2 ft apart recommended for hedge / mass planting Only pests we have had reported with Magic Carpet Spirea is Japanese Beetle, and aphids on new tender growth in early spring
Diseases / Insects : Rather trouble free - with powdery mildew occasionally observed in extremely wet conditions. Blooming time can be extended through removal of old, expired flower heads. Flower, Cone, Or Berry Facts : Flowers - Clusters of hot pink flower heads are produced in mid spring, and persist for several weeks. Foliage Color & Texture : Deciduous broadleaf - newest foliage & buds start out as a fiery red color, then change to a yellowish lime green, which gradually matures into a very light green color. Soil Preference : Average to slightly moist & fertile - well drained.
Sun Exposure : Full sun is preferred for best color display Growth Rate : Moderate ( 4" - 8" avg per year ) Best color & blooms in full sun, but will accept partial shade as well. One of our favorite spireas of them all - wonderful compact, dense growth habit that can be sheared/trimmed to desired shape & size. Very hardy variety that was introduced from the U.K. Has outstanding orange/red new growth, and very nice bright pink flowers during bloom. A fairly low growing spirea cultivar that is somewhat similar in coloration to Goldmound Spirea, but not quite as intense of a lime green color to the foliage in the spring.and with the addition of fiery red buds & newest foliage.