Fothergilla

Dwarf fothergilla, Fothergilla gardenii

Although introduced many years ago, this deciduous shrub has never become common in gardens. It is perfectly hardy so far as its capability of withstanding our severe winters is concerned, but it is evidently in some way lacking in robustness, otherwise it would not be so scarce. Being only 2 or 3 feet high, and not a very vigorous grower, it is unfitted for the ordinary rough shrubbery; but if it lacks the self-assertion necessary for such a position, there are few more charming plants for a border of select and carefully tended shrubs. It blossoms in spring, the inflorescence having a bottle-brush appearance owing to the length of the white stamens, which, petals being absent, form the only conspicuous part of the flowers. The greatest beauty of this Fothergilla is, however, apparent in autumn, when its leaves turn a rich, glowing red. It is a native of Eastern N. America, and the generic name was given in honor of Dr John Fothergill, famous in the later years of the eighteenth century for his botanical collections at Upton, in Essex. F. Gardeni enjoys a light loam, and grows all the better if peat and leaf-soil are mixed with the loam at planting-time.—W. J. B., in Gardeners Chronicle.

Related Flowers

Fothergilla Gardeni Major

Fothergilla Gardeni Major - A deciduous shrub 6 to 8 feet high, forming a rounded bush, with mostly erect stems. The flowers, produced in May on erect cylindrical spikes, 1 to 2 inches long, terminating short lateral twigs. Native of Alleghany Mountains from Virginia to S. Carolina. It was grown in English gardens in 1780, but apparently lost to cultivation until reintroduced to Kew from Arnold Arboretum in 1902. Mr Bean (Trees and Shrubs) describes it as a charming shrub, especially to those who love out-of-the-way plants, and says it is decidedly superior to the commoner F. Gardeni. Cuttings of fairly firm wood in gentle heat. It is quite hardy.