This suckering deciduous shrub forms a dense bushy habit with oval dark green leaves that turn bright red-orange to yellow during autumn. The petal less fragrant white flowers appear in upright spikes during spring before the foliage.

Hardiness zones 5 to 10

Fothergilla gardeniiis naturally found in south-east North America growing in woodlands or around swamps in moist fertile well-drained soils. It prefers a sunny to semi shaded protected position and is drought tender but frost tolerant.

Witch Alder is grown for its fragrant flowers and brilliant autumn foliage colour. It is planted woodland gardens or around watercourses and as a specimen plant in a domestic garden. It establishes in 2 to 3 years and is used in border plantings. It prefers cool moist inland or coastal region. ID 1679

Fothergilla(fo-tha-GIL-ah)gardenii(gah-DEN-ee-eye)

Hamamelidaceae (hama-mel-DAY-see-ee)