About
Fothergilla major, the mountain witch alder, is a compact, rounded deciduous shrub to 2 m with polished, broadly oval leaves that are glaucous beneath and turn a brilliant mixture of red, orange and yellow in autumn. Short, bottle-brush-like spikes of small, white, highly fragrant flowers appear in spring, before or with the emerging leaves. A superb four-season shrub.
About the genus
Fothergilla are rounded, compact deciduous shrubs in the witch hazel family (Hamamelidaceae) from eastern North America, producing bottlebrush-like spikes of white, honey-scented flowers in spring and spectacular autumn colour. Excellent ornamental shrubs for sheltered, woodland-edge conditions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toSE USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a humus-rich, moist but well-drained acid soil in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility