Description
Fothergilla –
There are 2 species of slow growing, deciduous, low growing shrubs, in this genus. They occur in woodland and swamps in Southeastern USA. They are grown for their bottle-brush like flowers, borne before the leaves, and attractive yellow, orange, and red fall tones. The leaves are alternate, with coarsely toothed edges, and are heavily ribbed. The fragrant, petalless flowers have conspicuous long white stamens and are produced in terminal heads or spikes. Grow in a woodland garden or shrub border.
Grow in humus rich or leafy, moist but well drained acidic soil in full sun or partial shade. Full sun encourages more flowers and richer autumn color.
F. gardenii – Witch Alder – Dwarf Fothergilla – This dense, bushy shrub from Coastal Eastern USA grows 2-3′ feet tall and wide. It produces alternate, oval, dark green leaves, to 2 ½” long, with irregularly toothed edges, turning bright red, orange, and yellow in autumn. In spring before the leaves it bears cylindrical, terminal, slightly fragrant spikes, to 1 ½” long, of small white flowers, with filaments 1″ long.
Zones 4-8
