Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic' — Bushy, Suckering

Overview

Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic' is a bushy, suckering shrubs in the genus Spiraea, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include mixed borders, shrub borders, cottage gardens, informal gardens, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic' is a deciduous shrub cultivar within the Spiraea genus, known for its bushy and suckering habit. Growing to about 1.5 metres tall, it thrives in full sun and tolerates a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils with varying pH levels, provided they are moist but well-drained. This hardy shrub, suitable for exposed or sheltered positions, produces clusters of small, five-petaled flowers in spring and summer. It is well suited to mixed borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens, and can be propagated by various cutting methods or seed.

About the genus

Spiraea, sometimes spelled spirea in common names, and commonly known as meadowsweets or steeplebushes, is a genus of about 80 to 100 species of shrubs in the family Rosaceae. They are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, with the greatest diversity in eastern Asia.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Spiraea

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy, Suckering
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 1.5 m
Suggested uses: Mixed borders, Shrub borders, Cottage gardens, Informal gardens, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic'

Propagation: Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Seed
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic'?

Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic' need?

Spiraea japonica 'Dark Magic' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.