Coastal Witch-Alder

Type: Slow-growing deciduous shrub. Height/spread: Max height and spread is 0.9 m (3 ft) to 1 m (3 ft). Leaves: Dark green, alternate leaves emerge in spring and range in shape from oval to obovate. Sizes up to 6 cm (2.5 in) in length, with irregularly toothed margins. Striking autumn colors, including bright red, crimson, orange, and yellow. Inflorescences: Terminal cylindrical spikes to 4 cm (1.5 in) are borne in spring, before the leaves emerge. Flowers: Small, white, petal-less, highly fragrant. Conspicuous filaments are 2.5 cm (1 in) long.

Hardiness: Fully hardy, to -29 °C (-20 °F). USDA zones 5-9. Cultivation: Prefers full sun or partial shade and humus-rich, well-drained soil which is kept moist. Full sun gives the best autumn color. Does well in woodland gardens or shrub borders. Propagation: Seed Sow seed outdoors in a cold frame or seedbed in autumn or winter. Seed typically germinates the second spring after sowing. Fresh seed works best. Cuttings Take softwood cuttings in summer and root them in a mist unit. Layering: Air Layering Air layering in summer. Simple Layering Can be propagated by layering. Pests and Diseases: Trouble free.

Fothergilla is named for Dr. John Fothergill (1712-1780) of Stratford, Essex, a physician and introducer of American plants. Gardenii is named for Dr. Alexander Garden (1730-1791), an Anglo-American botanist and correspondent with Carl Linnaeus.