Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Hamamelidaceae
Botanical Name
Fothergilla gardenii
Plant Common Name
Dwarf Fothergilla, Dwarf Witchalder
General Description
Dwarf fothergilla boasts honey-scented flowers in the spring and spectacular orange to scarlet fall foliage that is second to none. A slow-growing deciduous shrub with rounded leaves, it is a native of the southeastern United States. In early spring, before leaves emerge, cream-colored “brushes” open on branch tips, releasing a sweet odor. In the autumn, superb shades of yellow, orange and scarlet illuminate the shrub’s leaves.
Dwarf fothergilla grows in both sun and shade and is best in a moist or even wet soil. Preferring acidic, well-draining peat or sand, it will also tolerate an alkaline condition (such as near a concrete foundation). They make great companion plantings of rhododendrons and azaleas, and would add much interest in a woodland landscape or mixed border. Use it as a backdrop for spring flowering bulbs, such as yellow or orange daffodils. Cultivar ‘Blue Mist’ is a very attractive compact form with blue-green leaves, but note its fall color is comparatively lackluster.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
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
2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m (3)
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Width
2'-8' / 0.6m - 2.4m (4)
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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, Alkaline
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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, Ample Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, 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)
Lime Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Lime 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
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
