Dwarf Fothergilla
Fothergilla gardenii
Honey-scented white bottlebrush flowers in early spring, then orange, yellow, and red fall foliage. At 2 to 3 feet, it fits borders and containers.
Typically 1 quart–3 gal · $17–$85 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
Fragrant white spring flowers, stunning multi-color fall foliage, and a compact size that works in almost any garden. this is one of the most versatile native shrubs we grow.
Dwarf fothergilla is a spring garden anchor that punches well above its compact size. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, it covers itself in creamy white bottlebrush flowers that smell like honey, a rich, sweet fragrance that carries across the garden on warm April mornings. Native bees come in force, drawn as much by the scent as the nectar, before almost any other shrubs are flowering. Come fall, the foliage transforms into a riot of orange, yellow, and red, sometimes all three colors on the same plant at once. It's one of the most reliable small-scale fall color plants in the native palette. At 2–3 feet, it fits into a border front, a container, or a small space where a larger fothergilla would be too much.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown dwarf fothergilla propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
Plant dwarf fothergilla instead of Burning bush (Euonymus alatus). Same job in the garden, without the spread.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 2–3 ft · 24–48 in wide
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Bloom color
- White
- USDA zones
- 4–9
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Native range
- Coastal Plain from Virginia to Georgia
Care notes for dwarf fothergilla.
Full sun to part shade in acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Avoid alkaline soils. amend with sulfur or plant near acid-loving companions like blueberries. Needs no pruning beyond removing dead branches. Spreads slowly by root suckers to form clumps. No serious pests or diseases.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside dwarf fothergilla.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle complementary species for an instant habitat. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Skyline Drive Package
This package celebrates the world renowned “Skyline Drive” by featuring native plant species encountered along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
Piedmont Rain Garden Package
For homeowners with a yard that floods when it rains, this package is your solution! The Piedmont Swale Garden Package is comprised of flood tolerant species that will thrive in wet soils.
Exceptional Patio Garden Package
The Exceptional Patio Garden Package is a low maintenance, fool proof way to guarantee an endless color show for you and your guests to enjoy all patio season long.