Fothergilla Major

2-3 Litre Pot

• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: well drained
• Growth rate: Slow
• Flowering period: June – July
• Hardiness: H5
• Eventual height: 2.5m
• Eventual spread: 1.5m

Fothergilla Major, also known as ‘Mountain Witch Alder’ and holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, is a slow growing, deciduous shrub that is known for its stunning Autumn foliage and its delicate, bottlebrush-like flowers that bloom in the late Spring. This plant is native to the southeastern United States and can grow up to 2.5 metres tall and wide. The leaves of the plant are oval-shaped and turn shades of orange, red, and purple in the Autumn, making it a beautiful addition to any landscape.

Fothergilla Major was first discovered by the English botanist and physician, William Fothergill, in the 18th century. He was a keen collector of plants and is known for introducing many North American plants to European gardens. The plant was later named in his honour.

How to care for your Fothergilla Major

1. Planting: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It prefers acidic soil, but can tolerate a wide range of soil types. When planting, make sure to space the shrubs about 4-6 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
2. Watering: Once established, it is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering. However, during the first growing season, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist to help the plant establish a strong root system.
3. Pruning: It is a low maintenance plant and does not require regular pruning. However, if you want to keep the shape of the plant or control its size, you can prune it in late Winter or early Spring. To prune, cut back the longest stems to just above a pair of healthy buds.
4. Fertilising: It does not require regular fertilisation, but you can provide a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early Spring to promote healthy growth.
5. Temperature: Fothergilla major is hardy to temperatures as low as -15°C.

By following these care tips, your Fothergilla Major will thrive and provide beautiful, delicate bottlebrush-like flowers in the Spring and stunning Autumn foliage.