WSU Clark County Extension
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Dwarf Fothergilla

Scientific name: Fothergilla gardenia
Taxonomy
Family:Hamamelidaceae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 8
Sun:Partial shade
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:3 ft
Width:4 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:April to May
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description As member of the Witch hazel family, Dwarf Fothergilla is best known for its showy greenish-white, bottle brush-like inflorescences in early spring.

  Morphology:
This deciduous shrub grows 3’ tall and 4’ wide forming a slow growing shrub with a mounded shape. The leaves in spring and summer are a very pleasing bluish green that help add texture to the garden. Leaves are 2.5” long and oblong in shape.

Bloom commences in April-May before leaves emerge. Flowers are fragrant. Each flower is a 1”-2” long spike of ivory white stamens (male portion of flowers).

Fall leaf color depends upon the amount of sun received. With a well light site the leaves will take on shades of red, violet and orange. In the shade the leaves will be green and yellow.

  Adaptation:
This species can take either full sun to full shade. It does however prefer a well-drained, evenly moist, rich, acidic soil in partial sun to partial shade for best performance.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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