DATE: 3/10/05

CONTACT: Clemson Extension Home & Garden Information Center, 1-888-656-9988

WRITER: Joey Williamson, Horticulture Information Specialist

FOTHERGILLA – THE BEST OF THE NATIVES

CLEMSON – No other plant native to South Carolina has such fragrant and beautiful spring blooms and such stunning fall color as the witch-alders. Fothergilla was named after Dr. John Fothergill, an English physician and gardener who funded the travels of John Bartram through the Carolinas in the 1700’s. These beautiful plants have been planted now in both American and English gardens for over 200 years, including gardens of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Two species of Fothergilla are native to South Carolina and neighboring states - F. major (mountain witch-alder) and F. gardenii (dwarf witch-alder). As members of the witch hazel family, they are relatives of loropetalums, sweet gums, and of course witch hazels.

Witch alders are very shade tolerant, but flower more profusely in the spring when planted in partially sunny sites. The white, bottle brush-shaped blooms appear before the foliage appears, and their sweet fragrance is much like that of honey. The flowers have no petals, but are 2 inch spikes of bright white stamens.

Being a native to the Southeast, they are tolerant of the naturally acid soils, but will thrive in well-drained, slightly acid, loamy soils. Adjust the soil pH to approximately 6.0 for best growth. Mulch to keep the soil cooler during the summer using 3-4 inches of material, but don’t allow the mulch to be piled up against the trunks.

The mountain witch alder will grow from 8 to 12 feet tall, and the dwarf witch alder will grow from 3 to 5 feet tall. There are several cultivars available, but the most prevalent and most showy is ‘ Mt. Airy’. It is probably a hybrid between the two species, flowers profusely, and grows from 5 to 6 feet tall.

‘ Mt. Airy’ has the most brilliant fall color, with bright yellows, oranges and reds on each plant. Fall color is more intense when witch alders receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sun per day. The most ideal location may be with morning to mid-day sun and late afternoon shade.

Witch alders are often used in foundation plantings as specimen plants, and the flowers will stand out well if planted in front of evergreen shrubs, such as rhododendrons.

Alternatively, they can be planted in mass for a spectacular show of fall color and spring bloom.

Witch alders are relatively trouble free shrubs, with few insect pest or disease problems. They rarely require pruning, but do slowly sucker and thus will naturally become wider plants. Once established, witch alders are relatively drought tolerant, but will benefit from irrigation during periods of summer drought. They are very cold hardy and can be planted throughout South Carolina.

The Fothergilla spp. is relatively rare in our state due to habitat disturbance. This, along with their beauty, makes them the perfect choice for naturalizing and giving us a sense of place in our Southern landscapes.

For answers to your gardening, pest and food safety questions, visit the Clemson Extension Home & Garden Information Center website at http://hgic.clemson.edu or call us toll-free at 1-888-656-9988.

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