Fothergilla

Description

Fothergilla is a genus of plants that are native to the southeastern United States. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Fothergilla produces beautiful, fragrant flowers in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall. It is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Myrtales
Family	Hamamelidaceae
Genus	Fothergilla

Appearance

Fothergilla has an upright habit and can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Its leaves are oval-shaped and have a blue-green color in the summer that changes to orange and red in the fall. The plant produces fragrant, white bottlebrush-like flowers in the spring that can last for up to three weeks. Fothergilla also has a beautiful bark that is smooth and grayish-brown in color.

Care Guide

Water

Fothergilla prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Fothergilla does not require a lot of fertilizer. A single application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring should be sufficient.

Soil

Fothergilla prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.

Sunlight

Fothergilla prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full shade, but this can lead to a less vigorous growth habit and fewer flowers.

Hardiness Zones

Fothergilla is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Fothergilla is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant.

Habitat

Fothergilla is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in the understory of deciduous forests. It prefers moist, acidic soils and partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water my Fothergilla?

A: Fothergilla prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.

Q: When is the best time to prune Fothergilla?

A: The best time to prune Fothergilla is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Prune any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

Q: Can Fothergilla grow in full shade?

A: Fothergilla can tolerate full shade, but this can lead to a less vigorous growth habit and fewer flowers.

Q: How tall can Fothergilla grow?

A: Fothergilla can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide.

Related Plants

• Hamamelis (Witch Hazel)
• Viburnum
• Azalea

References

• “Fothergilla.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279828.
• “Fothergilla.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/fothergilla.
• “Fothergilla.” North Carolina State University Extension, content.ces.ncsu.edu/fothergilla-1.