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Fothergilla major (Large fothergilla)

Fothergilla major Photo/Illustration: Karen Bussolini


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Fothergilla major fah-ther-GILL-ah MAY-jor Common Name: Large fothergilla Genus: Fothergilla
Large fothergilla is a U.S. native shrub with cherry red fall foliage. (The cultivar 'Red Licorice' is a new selection with autumn color more reliable than the species.) Large fothergilla generally grows to be a large shrub or small understory tree, reaching 12 feet tall and wide. Like common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), it forms oval leaves scalloped along the edge and deeply channeled in a herringbone pattern. Unlike witch hazels, however, fothergilla's flowers appear in early spring along with new leaves. The white bottlebrush blooms announce their arrival with a rich, honeyed perfume.
Noteworthy characteristics: Native to ridge tops, riverbanks, and dry slopes in the southern Appalachians from North Carolina and Tennessee to Georgia and Alabama.
Care: Provide full sun to light shade and moist to wet soil. Best fall color develops from at least three hours of direct sun.
Propagation: Take cuttings in summer, or sow seed in a cold frame in fall or winter.
Problems: Nothing serious.
Height 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium to Wet
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Fragrant Flowers; Native; Showy Fall Foliage; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Spring
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Waterside
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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