Fothergilla gardenii

Fothergilla gardenii, sometimes nicknamed Dwarf Fothergilla, is a small, bushy shrub appreciated for its splendid autumn colours, in a mix of gold, fiery orange, copper and purple. In spring, curious white inflorescences in the shape of spikes appear with a honey fragrance that attracts bees. This charming and surprising Fothergilla gardenii does not tolerate limestone in the soil, but is very drought-tolerant once established. It therefore has its place in a small garden or in a heathland shrub border.

Fothergilla gardenii is a cousin of witch hazels native to the Southeastern United States. Its natural habitat consists of marshy plains, wet savannahs and boggy areas. While it is often found in flooded areas, it can endure periods of drought, which links to the seasonal drying out of its natural habitat. Of modest stature, it has a bushy but flexible habit, rarely exceeding 90 cm (35.4 in) in all directions. It has slow growth. Its deciduous foliage resembles that of hazelnut. It is composed of leaves measuring 3 to 8 cm (1.2 to 3.1 in) long by 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 in) wide, diamond-shaped, pubescent, wavy with prominent veins.  These are initially light green, darkening in summer. In autumn, they change colour to yellow and coppery orange, with streaks of purple red, filling the garden with splendid hues. Its flowers, in conical spikes measuring 3.5 cm (1.4 in) in length, are white and fragrant, and provide as much interest as the plant's colourful foliage. They are abundant on the grey, naked branches during the months of April-May. Each inflorescence is composed of flowers, made up of numerous recurved stamens enclosed in a green to cream-coloured calyx. The colour varies from white to cream, with the tip of the 'spike' being yellow-green.

Fothergilla prefers light shade and sandy, limestone-poor, and light soils. A half-shaded position, under the cover of other lightly foliaged shrubs, will suit it perfectly. Plant it on the edge of woodland, under large trees, or in the back of a border in the company of Heucheras, Daphnes, Pieris, and Sarcococca. It will also be magnificent in a border mixed with evergreen shrubs such as an autumn-flowering camellia or a Chimonanthus praecox. Winter heathers and hellebores are effective at the base of this plant.