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Dwarf fothergilla deserves a spot in your landscape

When choosing a shrub for foundation plantings, shrub borders or perennial gardens, consider dwarf fothergilla. The genus was named for John Fothergill, a Quaker physician who lived in London in the 18th century.

Fothergill was an early collector of American plants and corresponded with American botanist John Bartram.

The species was named for Alexander Garden, a Scottish physician who resided in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the first to introduce Fothergilla gardenii to England in 1752.

Dwarf fothergilla is related to the witch-hazel and native to the southeastern United States. It needs little maintenance and is rarely bothered by pests or diseases.

Fothergilla gardenii has three seasons of interest in the landscape. White, bottlebrush-like flowers with the fragrance of honey appear before the foliage unfurls in spring. Appealing, deep green, textured leaves are attractive all summer and turn brilliant shades of golden yellow, orange, red and purple in fall.

Plant dwarf fothergilla in slightly acidic, well-drained soil that has been heavily amended with organic matter. Composted pine bark or peat moss not only improves the structure of the soil, but also increases its acidity.

Fothergillas prefer moist but not soggy soil, and are also able to adapt to drier conditions. It is important to keep the soil moist after planting until the roots have established in their new home. A layer of mulch will help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.

To encourage faster growth of these typically slow-growing shrubs, fertilize two times in spring: once in early April and again mid to late May. Use fertilizers for acid-loving shrubs like Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Organic Fertilizer or Miracle-Gro Miracid.

Planted in full sun, fothergillas will sport the most flowers and show off the best fall color, but they will not disappoint in light shade. They reportedly spread by suckers to form a small colony, but I have not experienced suckering with my plants.

Dwarf fothergilla slowly grows to 3 feet tall and wide. It is an ideal choice for the mixed perennial border. Its early spring flowers get the garden off to a colorful start. Its attractive foliage is a lovely backdrop to summer-blooming perennials. In fall, its vibrant foliage keeps color in the garden well into November.

With dense branching and foliage all the way to the ground, dwarf fothergillas make a pleasing low hedge. In a shrub planting, partner the fine texture of dwarf fothergilla with shrubs bearing large leaves and coarse texture like hydrangeas or elderberries.

Fothergilla gardenii deserves a spot in your landscape. Check them out at your local garden center.

• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist and the garden center manager at The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield. Call (630) 293-1040, ext. 2, or visit planterspalette.com.

In full bloom, the heavily textured leaves of dwarf fothergilla unfurl.
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