Botanical Name:

Fothergilla gardenii

Common Name:

dwarf fothergilla, dwarf witch-alder

Family Name:

Hamamelidaceae – witchhazel family

General Description:

Fothergilla gardenii is native to southeastern United States where it grows naturally in acidic soils where the water table is close to the surface. It is a small, slow growing, deciduous shrub valued for its unique bottlebrush flowers and outstanding fall color. Flower and fall color is best when grown in full sun; however, since it requires moist soils, partial shade is preferred. The size, shape, flower and fall color of Fothergilla gardenii accents the landscape or perennial garden. However, in the Chicago area, chlorosis may occur in dry alkaline soils and rabbits can decimate the plant as it is a favored food. Karla Lynch, landscape architect and owner of Gardens for People, overcomes these limitations by placing dwarf fothergilla near downspouts and fencing young shrubs for the first few years in the landscape. This gives the plants time to get established and better ability to handle the onslaught of rabbits!

Zone:

(4)5-8(9)

Resources Consulted:

Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Champaign: Stipes, 2009. Print.

Creator:

Julia Fitzpatrick-Cooper, Professor, College of DuPage

Creation Date:

2014

Keywords/Tags:

Hamamelidaceae, Fothergilla gardenii, fothergilla, deciduous, shrub

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