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. major – F. monticola – Large Fothergilla – Mountain Witch Hazel – Alabama Fothergilla – This upright shrub from Allegheny mountains of Eastern USA grows 6-10′ feet tall and wide. It produces obovate to nearly rounded, alternate, glossy, dark green leaves, 3-5″ long, with toothed edges, with slightly glaucous undersides, and turn brilliant red, orange, and yellow in autumn. In late spring and early summer, before or as the leaves unfold it bears erect, terminal spikes, 1-2″ long, of fragrant, white, occasionally pink tinged flowers, it may flower again in autumn.
Zones 5-8
