Contents
Description
Fothergilla Intermedia Blue Shadow is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family. It is a hybrid of Fothergilla gardenii and Fothergilla major, developed by Michael A. Dirr in 1980. Blue Shadow is a popular cultivar that boasts striking blue-green foliage that turns yellow-orange and red in the fall. It produces fragrant, white bottlebrush-like flowers in the spring that last for several weeks. This shrub is known for its compact and dense growth habit, making it an excellent choice for small gardens or as a specimen plant. It grows up to 6-8 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Hamamelidaceae |
| Genus | Fothergilla |
Appearance
Fothergilla Intermedia Blue Shadow has blue-green leaves that are oval-shaped and measure 2-4 inches long. The leaves have a slightly serrated edge and are arranged alternately on the stem. In the fall, the foliage turns yellow-orange and red, adding a splash of color to the garden. The shrub produces fragrant, white bottlebrush-like flowers in the spring that last for several weeks. The flowers are 1-2 inches long and are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The bark of the Blue Shadow is smooth and grayish-brown.
Care Guide
Blue Shadow is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the shrub regularly during the growing season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Blue Shadow prefers well-drained, acidic soil. Ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: Blue Shadow is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Blue Shadow is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to the following:
- Aphids: These small insects may feed on the leaves and cause them to curl or yellow.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests may cause the leaves to turn yellow and produce webbing.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease may cause a white powdery coating to appear on the leaves.
Habitat
Blue Shadow is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in moist, acidic soils in woodlands, along stream banks, and in wetlands. It prefers a humid climate and can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Blue Shadow deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Blue Shadow is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Blue Shadow be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Blue Shadow can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full size.
Q: How often should Blue Shadow be pruned?
A: Blue Shadow does not require regular pruning. Prune it in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: When is the best time to plant Blue Shadow?
A: The best time to plant Blue Shadow is in the fall or spring when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.
Related Plants
- Fothergilla gardenii
- Fothergilla major
- Fothergilla x intermedia
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277414&isprofile=1&basic=fothergilla
- University of Connecticut Plant Database. (n.d.). Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’. Retrieved from https://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=199
