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October
Flora Spotlight:
Witch-Alder
Witch-Alder
Fothergilla
major
This native is named after Dr. John Fothergill, a wealthy 18th
century Essex English gardener and patron of the great American
plants man John Bartram. A member of the witch-hazel family, common
names for this plant include witch-alder, bottlebrush bush, granny
gray beard and spring scent, but Fothergilla seems to be the
most commonly used name.
In the spring Fothergilla blooms with creamy-white,
bottlebrush-type flowers that provide a sweet honey fragrance. The
flowers bloom on naked stems before the foliage emerges. This floral
display is very dramatic. When fall arrives, Fothergilla is a
kaleidoscope of orange, yellow, and red and provides a dazzling
display of rich autumn color in the landscape. It is a great shrub
for the perennial border or woodland environment. For a spectacular
showing, plant three to five in your garden. It grows 5 to 6 feet
tall with a spread of 6 feet. It is a slow growing, but long-lived
shrub.
Acidic soil is a must; it will not tolerate limey conditions. It does
best in a moist, leafy, soil rich in humus in part shade to nearly
full sun. Plants in more sun will be bushier and have more flowers.
Once established, Fothergilla is one of the most trouble free
flowering shrubs you can grow. Prune in late winter or early
spring, removing crossing branches and wayward shoots