Legend of the Fall® Fothergilla (Fothergilla × intermedia 'Alice') is a beautiful deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant spring flowers and exceptional fall color. Growing approximately 5-6 feet tall and wide, it develops a dense, rounded habit with attractive green to blue-green foliage throughout the growing season. In spring, fragrant white, bottlebrush-like flowers appear along the branches, providing an attractive early-season display and drawing pollinators to the landscape.
While attractive throughout the growing season, Legend of the Fall truly stands out in autumn. Its foliage develops an impressive mixture of brilliant yellow, orange, red, and deep burgundy tones, often displaying several colors on the same plant. With three seasons of interest and a naturally attractive form, it is an excellent choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, woodland gardens, mass plantings, or as a specimen.
More About Legend of the Fall Fothergilla
- Low Maintenance
- Slow to Moderate Growing
- Deciduous Flowering Shrub
- Fragrant, honey- scented Spring Flowers
- Exceptional Fall Color
- Foundation Planting, Mixed Border, Woodland Garden, Mass Planting, Accent, Specimen
- Dense, Rounded Habit
- White Bottlebrush-Like Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Deer Resistant
- Native Hybrid
Height: 5-6 Feet
Spread: 5-6 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Characteristics
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Soil Moisture: Average to Moist, Well Draining
- Attributes: 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 Fall Fothergilla generally develops its strongest flowering and most intense 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 deeply 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. Compost or other organic matter can also be added around the root zone.
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.
