Fothergilla major (f.monticola) large witch alder

This (large) witch alder is a special plant that originates in the USA. It is popular among collectors as well as garden designers who want to incorporate a nice and interesting shrub that is almost maintenance-free into their projects for beautiful gardens.

Witch alder produces abundance of brush-like, fragrant, white flowers in terminal spikes at the ends of erect branches from about mid April. They flower for a long time, before the leaves unfold. Deciduous leaves are rounded to obovate, mid to dark green and somewhat leathery, with shallowly serrated margins. They gain amazing shades or golden orange and brilliant and burgundy red in autumn.

It grows slowly, forming a rounded shrub. Pruning is not needed. Witch alder loves evenly moist but well-drained, medium fertile, acid soil. Sunny location or light semi-shade is best. Fully hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5), possibly a little more.

Last update 20-12-2011