Fothergilla – Fothergilla gardenii and Fothergilla major
(Hamamelidaceae)
The genus Fothergilla contains two species, F. gardenii and F. major, Dwarf Fothergilla and Large Fothergilla, respectively. Both plants are deciduous, suckering shrubs that form dense, rounded colonies of upright stems. Fothergilla leaves are oval, a bit wider at the tip than the base, and dark bluish green. Bottle brush shaped flower spikes are borne at the leafless branch tips in spring. The honey scented flowers last about two weeks and later develop into green seed capsules. Both Fothergillas seem to prefer acidic, organic, well drained soils with consistent moisture. It can be said that Large Fothergilla is twice the size of Dwarf in height (6-10’), leaf dimension (2-4” long), and flower dimension (1-2”).
Both Fothergilla species are excellent garden plants exhibiting multi-season interest through fragrant flowers, bold summer foliage, and striking late fall color. The multi-colored autumn display is best when planted in full sun. Each leaf develops color from the tip in, forming a mosaic of yellow, orange, and magenta before taking a solid scarlet at leaf drop. The leafless, flowering stems and rich autumn color of Fothergilla can be accentuated by planting with an evergreen backdrop of Rhododendrons or Arborvitae.
Both Fothergillas are native to the southeastern United States. Dwarf Fothergilla grows on moist pond edges and wetland transitions along the coastal plain from North Carolina to Gulf Coast Florida and Mississippi. Large Fothergilla is less common in the wild, found at higher elevations along rivers in the Allegheny Mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama.
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