Fothergilla gardenii aka Dwarf Witch Alder

Taxonomy

Genus Fothergilla Family Hamamelidaceae Order Saxifragales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Fothergilla gardenii, also known as witch alder, dwarf fothergilla, American wych hazel, and dwarf witchalder, is a deciduous shrub in the Hamamelidaceae family. It is one of two species in the genus Fothergilla. This garden shrub offers showy flowers in spring and spectacular fall foliage. The Dwarf Fothergilla, in particular, serves a dual purpose, adding value to the landscape in both seasons. It is a dense, bushy shrub with oval blue-green leaves that turn bright red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Fragrant flower spikes, up to 4cm long, bear small white flowers with long stamens in spring before the leaves emerge. The plant also has fruits, although they are small and insignificant. This versatile shrub is slow-growing, reaching a height of 2-3 ft (60-90 cm) and a width of 3-4 ft (90-120 cm). Its unique fragrance is a point of attraction for growers seeking unusual plants, making it a valuable ornamental border for gardens.

Common names

Dwarf Witch Alder, Dwarf Fothergilla, Dwarf Witchalder

How to care for Dwarf Witch Alder

Difficulty

Dwarf Witch Alder requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Dwarf Witch Alder prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Dwarf Witch Alder to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

More info:
Wikipedia