Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Part shade locations usually produce better blue foliage with a more open plant habit. Prefers moist, acidic, organically rich soils with sharp drainage. Plants may spread by root suckers to form colonies if suckers are not promptly removed.
‘Blue Shadow’ is a compact, slow growing, upright, deciduous shrub that features striking, glaucous, powder blue leaves. It was discovered as a bud sport from a young plant of Fothergilla ‘Mount Airy’. It typically grows to 4-6’ tall and as wide over the first 10 years. Terminal, bottlebrush-like spikes (to 2” long) of tiny, apetulous, honey-scented, white flowers bloom for several weeks in early spring (April to early May). Flower color comes from the showy stamens (white filaments and yellowish anthers). Leathery, broad-elliptic leaves (to 4” long) are a striking blue to blue-green throughout the growing season, changing in fall to outstanding and often brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. Plant Patent PP15,490 was issued on January 25, 2005.
No serious insect or disease problems.
Compact specimen or accent that may also be grown in groups or massed. Shrub borders, foundations, cottage gardens or open woodland areas.
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Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
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Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(636) 530-0076 hours and admission
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Hwy. 100 & I-44 Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512 hours and admission