Fothergilla gardenii

Fothergilla gardenii: Fragrant Blooms and Fiery Fall Colour

Fothergilla gardenii is a charming native shrub that offers exceptional multi-season interest in a compact form. In spring, it produces bottlebrush-like white flowers with a sweet, honey-like fragrance—blooming before the foliage fully emerges. Through summer, its blue-green leaves provide a soft, textured backdrop, turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in fall. Adaptable and low-maintenance, it brings native beauty and subtle sophistication to any landscape.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
• Spread: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
• Flower Colour: White, bottlebrush-like
• Flowering Period: Mid to late spring
• Foliage: Blue-green; brilliant red, orange, and yellow in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, acidic, well-drained soils

Uses and Benefits: Ideal for woodland gardens, foundation plantings, and native or pollinator-focused landscapes, Fothergilla gardenii offers spring fragrance, summer texture, and unmatched fall colour in a small package. It’s a superb choice for naturalizing or planting en masse under light shade.

Care Instructions: Prefers moist, acidic soils but tolerates a range of well-drained conditions. Water during dry spells, especially during establishment. Minimal pruning is needed—remove dead or damaged branches after flowering if necessary.

History: Native to the southeastern United States, Fothergilla gardenii has been long appreciated in northern gardens for its adaptability, fragrance, and outstanding autumn display.

Final Thoughts: Fragrant, fiery, and full of character, Fothergilla gardenii is a standout native shrub that performs beautifully in all four seasons.