Fothergilla is a medium-sized shrub worthy of wider landscape use. These lovely shrubs are members of the same family as Witch Hazel (Hamamelidaceae). Fothergilla is indigenous to the Allegheny Mountains, from North Carolina and Tennessee to northern Alabama, and hardy from Zone 4-8. Fothergilla is excellent for interesting flowers, good summer foliage and outstanding fall color.
Fothergilla is covered with spectacular masses of unusual white "bottle-brush" inflorescence in May. The flowers are decidedly fragrant, the scent being somewhat difficult to describe but nevertheless very pleasant. In the fall, the shrubs are again a mass of color, the foliage varying from a brilliant yellow-orange to red. Summer foliage is dark green to bluish green, somewhat leathery in texture and quite attractive. Fothergilla is untroubled by insects or disease, although bunnies and deer may cause damage. Wrapping the shrub in chicken wire over the winter months can prevent uninvited nibbling.
Fothergilla can be used in foundation planting, borders, massing, and is good paired with rhododendrons and azaleas. Among native plants I have many favorites, but this plant is near the top. The fothergilla ask so little from gardeners yet give so much. All friends should exhibit this kind of relationship.