Fothergilla gardenii 'Blue Mist'
   
Tried and True Recommended by 3 Professionals
Common Name: dwarf fothergilla
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Leaves: Colorful, Good Fall Color

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, slightly acidic soils that are rich in organic matter. Flowers best in full sun.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This fothergilla cultivar is a compact, slow-growing, deciduous shrub with a mounded habit typically growing to 2-3' (less frequently to 4') tall. Features terminal, bottle-brush-like spikes (1-2" long) of tiny, fragrant, ivory white, apetulous flowers with showy yellow anthers which appear in spring often before the foliage. Rounded to oblong leaves are an attractive frosty blue-green in summer, changing to yellow, orange and red (but sometimes only a bronzish yellow) in fall. This cultivar does not consistently produce the spectacular fall color associated with many fothergillas, however. May spread by root suckers to form colonies.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Low vigor and dieback can be a problem in the St. Louis area.

Garden Uses

Shrub borders or foundation plantings. Combines well with rhododendrons and azaleas.