Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Hamamelidaceae
Botanical Name
Fothergilla gardenii 'Jane Platt'
Plant Common Name
Dwarf Fothergilla, Dwarf Witchalder
General Description
A small deciduous shrub from coastal areas of the American Southeast, dwarf fothergilla features honey-scented spring flowers and spectacular fall color. Its cultivar 'Jane Platt' boasts an even shorter habit, small dainty leaves, and relatively early bloom. It was selected from the Portland, Oregon garden of John and Jane Platt.
The leathery, bluish-green, up-angled leaves of 'Jane Platt' are smaller and more oblong than typical for Fothergilla gardenii. They are also distinguished by their prominently toothed tips. Creamy-white, bottlebrush-shaped flower clusters appear in early to mid-spring before the leaves emerge. They open days or weeks before those of most other fothergillas. The leaves blaze yellow, orange and red for several weeks in autumn.
This cultivar slowly forms a dense dome-shaped hummock of knee height and slightly greater width. Its neat habit, gray-barked stems, and prominent flower buds provide winter interest.
Dwarf fothergilla prospers in full to partial shade and moist, acidic, humus-rich soil. Ideal for interplanting with rhododendrons and azaleas, this four-season shrub excels in woodland landscapes 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
20"-30" / 50.8cm - 76.2cm
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Width
22"-36" / 55.9cm - 91.4cm
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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)
Sea Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Red, 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, Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
