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Description
Fothergilla Major, also known as large fothergilla, is a deciduous shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a member of the witch-hazel family and is prized for its beautiful flowers, attractive foliage, and stunning fall color. The plant typically grows to be around 6-10 feet tall and wide, and it has a rounded shape. It blooms in the spring with white, bottlebrush-like flowers that are 1-2 inches long. These flowers are highly fragrant and attract bees and other pollinators. The plant’s leaves are a bluish-green color and are oval-shaped. In the fall, they turn a beautiful shade of orange, red, and yellow.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Hamamelidaceae |
| Genus | Fothergilla |
Appearance
The Fothergilla Major plant is a deciduous shrub that grows to be around 6-10 feet tall and wide. It has a rounded shape and produces bottlebrush-like flowers that are white and highly fragrant. The leaves of the plant are oval-shaped and are a bluish-green color. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful shade of orange, red, and yellow. The plant’s bark is gray and smooth, and it has an interesting texture. Overall, the Fothergilla Major plant is a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Care Guide
The Fothergilla Major plant is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil. Water it regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is not acidic, you can add peat moss or sulfur to lower the pH.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can inhibit blooming.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Fothergilla Major plant is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to a few issues:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves. To prevent spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and regularly prune out any infested leaves.
- Deer: Deer are attracted to the Fothergilla Major plant and can cause damage by eating the leaves and flowers. To prevent deer damage, consider using a deer repellent or fencing off the area.
Habitat
The Fothergilla Major plant is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and streambanks. It prefers moist, acidic soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Fothergilla Major plant?
A: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can I grow Fothergilla Major in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Fothergilla Major in a container as long as the container is large enough and the soil is well-draining.
Q: When should I prune my Fothergilla Major plant?
A: Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired.
Q: How do I propagate Fothergilla Major?
A: Fothergilla Major can be propagated by taking softwood or hardwood cuttings in the summer or fall. It can also be grown from seed, but this can be a slow process.
Related Plants
- Fothergilla gardenii
- Fothergilla x intermedia
- Hamamelis virginiana (witch-hazel)
- Clethra alnifolia (summersweet)
References
- “Fothergilla Major.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m190.
- “Fothergilla Major.” North Carolina State University Extension, content.ces.ncsu.edu/fothergilla-major.
- “Fothergilla Major.” The Morton Arboretum, mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/fothergilla-major.
