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Fothergilla major

Fothergilla major
Mountain Witch Alder

2 reviews

5,0/5

2 reviews

0 reviews

The young plant hasn't recovered.

michèle JOSEPH, 03/10/2016

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

A lovely bush that remains a modest size with decorative qualities which vary throughout the seasons. An original way to complement your heathland beds.

Flower size

30 cm

Height at maturity

2 m

Spread at maturity

1.50 m

Exposure

Sun, Partial shade

Hardiness

Hardy down to -23°C

Soil moisture

Moist soil

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Recommended planting time March to May, September to November

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Flowering time May to June

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FEB F

MAR M

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Description

Fothergilla major is a beautiful spring flowering bush, covered in spring with bristly white pom-pom flowers which are pleasantly scented.

Originally from North America, Fothergilla major forms a small shrub with an ovate habit, reaching 2m (6 ft 7 in) in height and 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) in width. Its foliage is green and glossy in summer, turning beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Its decorative qualities vary throughout the seasons. It will bring a nice touch of brightness in the spring.

Slow-growing and small in size, it is the perfect shrub for small gardens or for terrace pots. Make sure to always keep this shrub moist and plant it in humus-rich soil. This plant does not like drought or limestone soil. It will combine perfectly with heathers, Rhododendrons, Pierris, and other Kalmias.

Fothergilla major in pictures

Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2 m

Spread at maturity 1.50 m

Habit Irregular, bushy

Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour white

Flowering time May to June

Flower size 30 cm

Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Flowering description Apetalous flower, long stamens, 8-14 mm (0.3-0.6 in), white, sometimes tinged with pink, in spreading clusters of 25-50 mm (1-2 in), fruit in non-decorative capsules that burst open.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous

Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Fothergilla

Species

major

Family

Hamamelidaceae

Other common names

Mountain Witch Alder

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Other Fothergilla

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From €27.50 3L/4L pot
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Planting and care

Fothergilla major is a shrub that prefers acidic to neutral soil. Plant it in a suitable soil, avoiding limestone. Ensure that it remains adequately moist if you choose to plant it in pots. Avoid frost and keep in partial shade to maintain some coolness in the summer. Being a small shrub, it requires little to no pruning. However, if you wish to lighten its silhouette, do so sparingly and after flowering.

Planting period

Recommended planting time March to May, September to November

Intended location

Type of use Border, Container

Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map

Ease of cultivation Amateur

Planting density 1 per m2

Exposure Sun, Partial shade

Soil pH Acidic, Neutral

Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)

Soil moisture Moist soil, humus-rich

Care