Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla, Witch Alder)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

Native to southeastern coastal areas, Dwarf Fothergilla shines three seasons of the year. Spring brings sweetly-scented, white bottlebrush flowers that welcome pollinators. Its summer dress is a pretty green. Fall leaf color is spectacular, turning exquisite shades of yellow, orange or red that brighten up the woodland garden.

10-32 showy stamens in a Fothergilla gardenii (dwarf fothergilla) apetalous flower abloom in April. Proximal flowers are often staminate.
Photo © Mary Free
Fothergilla gardenii flowers in April.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills
Fothergilla gardenii at the Master Gardener Tribute Bench Garden in mid-April.
Photo © Mary Free
Fothergilla gardenii in landscape in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania in May.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills
Fothergilla gardenii leaves in October.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills
Fothergilla gardenii November foliage at the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden.
Photo © Mary Free

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Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla, Witch Alder)

Fothergilla gardenii, Dwarf Fothergilla, Witch Alder, Shrub Spring Shrub, Flowers, Fall Foliage Height: 3–5 feet Spread: 3–5 feet Bloom Color: White Characteristics Slow-growing, small deciduous shrub with rounded-to-mounding form Soft, hairy, gray-green foliage Fuzzy, white terminal flower clusters early spring Fall colors (yellow, orange, crimson, burgundy) vary year to year depending on environmental factors May spread by root suckers Attributes Intolerant of drought, very dry sites, and prolonged flooding; no serious pests or diseases; deer may browse flowers and new growth Twiggy, zig-zag stems provide winter interest Attracts bees and wasps Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained, acidic Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Moist, Wet Most prolific (flowers) & colorful (foliage) in sun Let it attain its natural, even, symmetrical shape as pruning can reduce flowering Use as a hedge, foundation plant, an under- planting for shade and flowering trees, en masse Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–8 Excellent Replacement for Berberis thunbergii - Japanese Barberry Euonymus alatus - Burning Bush Salix discolor - Pussywillow Spiraea japonica - Japanese SpireaLearn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: Tried and True Plant Fact Sheets