Legend of the Small® Fothergilla is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant spring flowers, attractive foliage, and brilliant fall color. Growing approximately 2-3 feet tall and wide, it forms a dense, rounded mound that provides the multi-season interest of larger Fothergilla varieties in a much smaller package. In spring, fragrant white, bottlebrush-like flowers appear above the foliage, creating an attractive early-season display and drawing pollinators to the landscape.
Throughout summer, its tidy green to blue-green foliage provides attractive texture before developing brilliant shades of yellow, orange, red, and burgundy in fall. Its compact size makes Legend of the Small an excellent choice for foundation plantings, smaller gardens, mixed borders, low mass plantings, or along walkways where a full-size Fothergilla would become too large.
More About Legend of the Small Fothergilla
- Low Maintenance
- Slow to Moderate Growing
- Deciduous Flowering Shrub
- Compact Variety
- Fragrant Spring Flowers
- Outstanding Fall Color
- Foundation Planting, Mixed Border, Mass Planting, Accent, Small Gardens, Walkways
- Dense, Rounded Habit
- White Bottlebrush-Like Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Deer Resistant
- Native Shrub
Height: 2-3 Feet
Spread: 2-3 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Characteristics
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Soil Moisture: Average to Moist, Well Draining
- Attributes: Compact, Rounded, Fragrant, Multi-Season Interest
- Foliage Color: Green to Blue-Green; Yellow, Orange, Red and Burgundy in Fall
- Flower Color: White
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun to part shade. Legend of the Small generally develops its strongest flowering and most vibrant fall color when provided with plenty of sunlight. It prefers organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
Watering:
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it can tolerate short periods of dryness but performs best with average to consistent moisture. Water during extended periods of hot, dry weather.
Fertilizing:
Fothergilla generally requires little fertilizer. If needed, apply a light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer suitable for acid-loving plants in early spring. Adding compost or organic matter around the root zone can also help maintain healthy growth.
Pruning:
Very little pruning is required. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed. If shaping is necessary, prune shortly after flowering to avoid removing developing flower buds for the following season.
