Fothergilla gardenii

• Type: Slow-growing[2] deciduous shrub.[1][2]
• Height/spread: Max height and spread is 0.9 m (3 ft)[2] to 1 m (3 ft).[1]
• Leaves: Dark green, alternate leaves emerge in spring[1] and range in shape from oval[1][2] to obovate.[1] Sizes up to 6 cm (2.5 in) in length,[1] with irregularly[2] toothed margins.[1][2] Striking autumn colors, including bright red,[1] crimson,[2] orange, and yellow.[1][2]
• Inflorescences: Terminal cylindrical[1] spikes[1][2] to 4 cm (1.5 in) are borne in spring,[1] before the leaves emerge.[1][2]
  • Flowers: Small,[1] white, petal-less, highly fragrant. Conspicuous filaments[1][2] are 2.5 cm (1 in) long.[1]

Native to the southeastern USA,[1][2] from North Carolina to Alabama.[2]

• Hardiness: Fully hardy,[1] to -29 °C (-20 °F).[2] USDA zones 5-9.[2]
• Cultivation: Prefers full sun[1][2] or partial shade[1] and humus-rich, well-drained soil which is kept moist.[1][2] Full sun gives the best autumn color.[2] Does well in woodland gardens or shrub borders.[1]
• Propagation:
  • Seed Sow seed outdoors in a cold frame or seedbed in autumn or winter. Seed typically germinates the second spring after sowing.[1] Fresh seed works best.[2]
  • Cuttings Take softwood cuttings in summer[1][2] and root them in a mist unit.[1]
  • Layering:
    • Air Layering Air layer in summer.[1]
    • Simple Layering Can be propagated by layering.[2]
• Pests and Diseases: Trouble free.[1]

The cultivar 'Blue Mist' is grown for its glaucous blue-green foliage.[1][2]

Fothergilla is named for Dr. John Fothergill (1712-1780) of Stratford, Essex, a physician and introducer of American plants.[3]

Gardenii is named for Dr. Alexander Garden (1730-1791), an Anglo-American botanist and correspondent with Carl Linnaeus.[3]

• Thomas G. Ranney and Nathan P. Lynch, Clarifying Taxonomy and Nomenclature of Fothergilla (Hamamelidaceae) Cultivars and Hybrids, HORTSCIENCE 42(3):470–473. 2007.