‘BLUE SHADOW’ FOTHERGILLA (Fothergilla gardenia ‘Blue Shadow’ ):
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 3 to 5 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Fall Color: Yellow, Orange, Red (at same time)
Flower: Showy and Fragrant
Attracts: Butterflies & Honey Bees
Use: Pollinators, early bloom, fall color
Native to: Appalachia
Fothergilla is an underutilized and often overlooked shrub. Early to bloom in the spring with small 2½ - 3” tall white aromatic flowers, Fothergilla is great for anyone that wants to attract pollinators. The ‘Blue Shadow’ cultivar has leaves with a greenish-blue hue that provides great contrast and interest in the garden or naturalized area. There are no serious insect or disease problems with this plant and the maintenance is extremely low.
The name of the plant derives from Dr. John Fothergill, a Quaker physician, philanthropist, and amateur plant collector. Dr. Fothergill personally financed the collection and propagation of many American plants. John and William Bartram often were funded by Dr. Fothergill and their collective work helped to give America and American agriculture credibility in Europe.
The tree is a host plant for 82 species of butterflies and moths and attracts 14 different genera of birds.
