Family
Hamamelidaceae
Botanical Name
Fothergilla gardenii 'Harold Epstein'
Plant Common Name
Dwarf Fothergilla, Dwarf Witchalder
General Description
A small deciduous shrub from coastal areas of the Southeast United States, dwarf fothergilla features honey-scented spring flowers and spectacular fall color. Its dwarf cultivar 'Harold Epstein' has a low dense habit and petite leaves.
The bluish-green, oval, 1- to 2-inch (2.5- to 5-cm) leaves of 'Harold Epstein' are considerably smaller than those of most other Fothergilla gardenii cultivars. Creamy-white, bottlebrush-shaped flower clusters appear in early to mid-spring before the leaves emerge. The leaves blaze yellow, orange and red for several weeks in autumn.
This cultivar slowly forms a dense low hummock a foot (30 cm) high and about twice as wide. Its neat habit, gray-barked stems, and prominent flower buds provide winter interest.
Dwarf fothergilla prospers in full to partial shade and moist, acid, humus-rich soil. Ideal for interplanting with dwarf rhododendrons and azaleas, this four-season shrub excels in rock gardens and mixed borders. It is lovely combined with other plants that color brightly in fall.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12"-15" / 30.5cm - 38.1cm
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Width
18"-25" / 45.7cm - 63.5cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
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Native To
Southeastern United States
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Wet Site
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Lime Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Orange
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Bog Garden, Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
