Dwarf Fothergilla, #3
Dwarf Fothergilla
Fothergilla gardenii
- Height: Typically 2–3 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
- Spread: Approximately 2–3 feet wide
- Spacing: Plant 2–3 feet apart for a neat, cohesive display
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Deciduous
- Native to United States
Description
Dwarf Fothergilla is a stunning, compact shrub that brings a burst of seasonal brilliance to any landscape. In early spring, its fragrant, bottlebrush-like clusters of creamy white flowers appear before the blue-green, textured foliage emerges, delivering an inspiring splash of fresh color. As summer progresses, the leaves maintain their polished appearance, and in autumn they transform into a magnificent display of bright yellows, oranges, and reds. This ornamental shrub is perfect for intimate spaces or as a showstopper accent along borders or in container plantings, adding refined interest throughout the year.
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily for the finest floral and fall color display.
- Watering: Water regularly after planting to establish a healthy root system; once established, occasional watering during extended dry periods
- Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and stabilize soil temperatures, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the shrub for proper airflow.
- Pruning: Remove any unwanted suckers and dead branches shortly after flowering to maintain its compact, rounded form and ensure a polished appearance.
Dwarf Fothergilla offers a beautiful, low-maintenance solution for adding vibrant seasonal color and fragrant blooms to Michigan landscapes, making it a truly inspiring choice for modern outdoor design.