Why Fall Is the Best Time in the Garden
Fall is a wonderful time to stroll through your gardens and many plants offer their best color as their leaves start to change, berries color for winter, and stems color with the cooler temperatures.
Many plants are overlooked because we are so anxious for spring and warmer temperatures after a long winter, but fall is my favorite time to be in the garden.
Let's discuss a few of my favorite fall plants.
Fothergilla: An Overlooked Fall Shrub
Fothergilla, commonly called witch-alder, comes in 2 species. All will bloom in the spring prior to developing leaves with a white bottle brush fragrant flower, prefer acidic soil, grow in zones 4-9 but prefer some protection from the hot afternoon sun in zones 7-9, prefers organic moist soils, requires water in drought, and puts on a spectacular show of color in the fall.
Fothergilla major (Large Fothergilla)
Fothergilla major or large fothergilla is more adaptable to drought than the other two species. This one grows from 6-10 feet tall and wide. In fall the plant will turn red, maroon, orange or yellow depending on soil and weather conditions. It is native to the southeast United States.
Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla)
Fothergilla gardenii, dwarf fothergilla, grows 3 feet tall and wide. It develops the same fragrant flowers in spring, and incredible color in fall as the large fothergilla but is less drought tolerant. The soil should be moist, such as one worked with peat moss to help retain that moisture. It does not require pruning other than to maintain health. I have noticed that it will sucker close to the mother plant which has never developed into an issue in my garden. This variety is commonly called coastal witch alder.
Fothergilla x intermedia (Hybrid Fothergilla)
Fothergilla x intermedia, a hybrid, is often sold at nurseries and grows 4-5 feet tall and wide. This variety is thought to be a cross of gardenii and major. This shrub also has slightly bluish leaves and is a heavy bloomer. It grows in zones 4-9 preferring some protection from harsh direct afternoon sunlight. It grows best in slightly moist, acidic soil, which an application of Espoma Holly-tone can help support, since it's formulated for acid-loving plants. Suckering will occur giving the plant a multi-stemmed look. Fall color ranges from yellow to orange red and is weather and soil dependent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fothergilla commonly called?
Fothergilla is commonly called witch-alder, and Fothergilla gardenii specifically is also known as coastal witch alder.
What growing zones is Fothergilla hardy in?
Fothergilla grows in zones 4-9, though it prefers some protection from hot afternoon sun in zones 7-9.
What kind of soil does Fothergilla need?
Fothergilla prefers acidic, organic, moist soil and requires water during drought, though Fothergilla major is more drought tolerant than the other two species.
How big does Fothergilla get?
Fothergilla major grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, Fothergilla gardenii (dwarf fothergilla) stays around 3 feet tall and wide, and the hybrid Fothergilla x intermedia grows 4 to 5 feet tall and wide.
Does Fothergilla need to be pruned?
Fothergilla gardenii does not require pruning other than to maintain health, though it may sucker close to the mother plant over time.
