Fothergilla for the Garden

This Dwarf Fothergilla or Fothergilla gardenia stays small in size for the garden.
 

Here is a shrub that I added to my garden several years ago. It was small when I planted it, but over the years it has grown and this past year bloomed. Dwarf Fothergilla or Fothergilla gardenia is a small round shrub that is slow growing to about 3 to 4 feet tall with a slightly wider spread than height. It is easy to care for and the only pruning you will need to do will be to remove damaged or dead limbs. It blooms in April with these very fragrant, unusual looking flowers. After it blooms the leaves stay green until they turn to beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red.

Fothergilla can grow in sun or partial shade. It grows in zones 5-9 and is deer resistant. It is a North America native and is related to the Witch Hazel family. It does require weekly watering if in dry conditions. It is a deciduous shrub that was named after John Fothergill, an English physician. There are lots of different varieties of Fothergilla in the nursery trade that range in many different sizes for the garden. It is a plant worth taking a look at for the seasonal interest that it can give your garden.


Happy Gardening!
Debbie