Fothergilla

The genus Fothergilla consists of only four deciduous shrubby species, reaching a height of 2.5 m. The plants are characterized by rough leaves with large-toothed edges. Collected in lush ears of flowers with a delicate aroma do not have petals: they consist only of long white stamens with yellow anthers. The fruit is a seed pod with a beak. Fothergilla gardenii is an erect, slow-growing species. Back-ovate-wedge-shaped leaves are dark green on the upper side, bluish on the lower side and covered with thick down. In autumn, they acquire a beautiful bright red color. In March-April, flowers bloom on still bare branches, collected in short inflorescences of elongated shape. Fothergilla varieties 'Glaucous-leafy' has a more sprawling crown, grows more widely, and its flowers are light yellow. Fothergilla major (F. major) - a larger species compared to Fothergilla Gardena. The leaves are rounded or ovate, dark green and glossy above, lighter and pubescent below. In autumn, they are painted in bright orange, yellow or red tones. Flowers that bloom in April and May before the appearance of leaves or simultaneously with them are collected in short erect ears. Fothergilla monticola (F. monticola) is similar to the large fothergilla, but even more sprawling. The leaves on both sides are dark green, turning red or bright orange in autumn.

The genus Fothergilla consists of only four deciduous shrubby species, reaching a height of 2.5 m. The plants are characterized by rough leaves with large-toothed edges. Collected in lush ears of flowers with a delicate aroma do not have petals: they consist only of long white stamens with yellow anthers. The fruit is a seed pod with a beak.

Fothergilla gardenii is an erect, slow-growing species. Back-ovate-wedge-shaped leaves are dark green on the upper side, bluish on the lower side and covered with thick down. In autumn, they acquire a beautiful bright red color. In March-April, flowers bloom on still bare branches, collected in short inflorescences of elongated shape. Fothergilla varieties 'Glaucous-leafy' has a more sprawling crown, grows more widely, and its flowers are light yellow.

Fothergilla major (F. major) - a larger species compared to Fothergilla Gardena. The leaves are rounded or ovate, dark green and glossy above, lighter and pubescent below. In autumn, they are painted in bright orange, yellow or red tones. Flowers that bloom in April and May before the appearance of leaves or simultaneously with them are collected in short erect ears.

Fothergilla monticola (F. monticola) is similar to the large fothergilla, but even more sprawling. The leaves on both sides are dark green, turning red or bright orange in autumn.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Fothergilla are highly valued in gardening, they are grown in parks and gardens because of the spectacular flowering and beautiful autumn color of the foliage. They are planted in autumn or March in fresh, moist, well-drained soil, and organic fertilizers are applied at the rate of 5 kg /m2. Alkaline or calcified soils are not allowed. To increase the acidity, you can add a certain amount of acidic peat. Pruning is not necessary, except for removing dry, damaged or randomly arranged branches. Usually these plants are very resistant to diseases and pests.

Plants of the genus Fothergilla are highly valued in gardening, they are grown in parks and gardens because of the spectacular flowering and beautiful autumn color of the foliage. They are planted in autumn or March in fresh, moist, well-drained soil, and organic fertilizers are applied at the rate of 5 kg /m2. Alkaline or calcified soils are not allowed. To increase the acidity, you can add a certain amount of acidic peat. Pruning is not necessary, except for removing dry, damaged or randomly arranged branches. Usually these plants are very resistant to diseases and pests.

Location

They can be planted both in the open sun and in partial shade.

Temperature

These plants are resistant to fluctuations in air temperature.

Watering

It is only needed during periods of particularly prolonged drought.

Reproduction

Cuttings are most often used. In summer, take semi-woody cuttings 15-20 cm long, which are immediately planted in the air in a protected corner of the garden. Roots are formed very often, but with great difficulty, and this process requires a lot of time. Instead, you can use layer propagation by digging long branches at the end of summer, first making incisions on them from below. After the root system develops well (in 1.5-2 years), new plants are separated from the mother plant and finally planted.

Acquisition

Fothergill can only be found in the best gardening centers and specialized nurseries. Choose small plants that are easier to plant on a permanent planting site.