Fothergilla gardenii - 40-50 CM C5

Description
The Witch alder (Fothergilla gardenii) is a bushy, spreading small shrub that produces creamy white flowers arranged in spikes with a strong fragrance. They appear from April to May. The Witch alder also has egg-shaped, medium-green leaves. In a sunny to semi-shady, wind-protected location with humus-rich, lime-free, sandy, acidic soil, it usually reaches a height of approx. 80 cm and grows to a width of approx. 1.2 m.

Synonym
Synonyms (botanical): Fothergilla alnifolia, Fothergilla carolina.

Bulletpoints
* strongly scented flowers * attractive scarlet autumn colouring * hardy in urban climates

leaves
The deciduous leaves of the Witch alders are medium green, ovate and alternate. They are about 2 - 6 cm in size. Witch alder turns a bright scarlet red in autumn.

Spread
North America.

Frost hardiness
The Witch alder has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Witch alder is a bushy and spreading small shrub. It usually reaches a height of 70 - 80 cm and is approx. 0.7 - 1.2 m wide. It usually grows 5 - 10 cm per year.

Water
The plant has a medium water requirement.

Location
Preferred location in a sunny to semi-shady, wind-protected position.

Soil
Fothergilla gardenii thrives on all acidic, humus-rich and sufficiently moist soils.

Planting time
Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the soil is frozen and in summer heat (over 30°C).

Care
A slow-release fertiliser can be used in spring. This releases the nutrients slowly and continuously so that the plant is evenly supplied over a longer period of time.

Flower
The creamy white flowers of Witch alder appear in spikes from April to May. They grow to about 2 - 4 cm and are strongly scented.

Use
Solitary, ornamental shrub

Root
Fothergilla gardenii is a heartroot and, depending on the soil, forms finely branched roots.