Fothergilla x intermedia Blue Shadow (Fothergilla)

Vigorous, Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’ (Fothergilla) is a compact, rounded, deciduous shrub that is prized for its profusion of fragrant, bottlebrush-like, white flowers in spring, its striking glaucous-blue summer foliage, its outstanding fall color, and excellent disease resistance.

Vigorous, Fothergilla x intermedia 'Blue Shadow' (Fothergilla) is a compact, rounded, deciduous shrub that is prized for its profusion of fragrant, bottlebrush-like, white flowers in spring, its striking glaucous-blue summer foliage, its outstanding fall color, and excellent disease resistance. A sport of the highly popular 'Mount Airy', its rounded leaves emerge green in spring, mature to an intense powder blue that remains throughout the summer, before turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. Providing multiple seasons of interest in the garden, Fothergilla is a low-maintenance and big-impact plant that deer tend to leave alone.

  • Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall and wide (120-180 cm). May spread by root suckers if suckers are not promptly removed.
  • This plant is best grown in full sun to part shade in average, medium, well-drained soils. Prefers moist, rich, acidic soils. To get the best floral and foliage display, give your Fothergilla as much sunshine as possible. Good shade tolerance.
  • Flowers attract butterflies and birds
  • Plant as a specimen or in mixed shrub borders. Great flowering shrub with rhododendrons or azaleas. Perfect for hedges, and foundation plantings.
  • No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Fothergilla
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spread 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spacing 60″
– 72″
(150cm
– 180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden