Coastal Witch-alder Fothergilla gardenii

Coastal witch-alder is a low maintenance deciduous shrub in the Hamamelidaceae (witch-hazel) family that is native to the coastal plains of the southern United States. In the wild, it is apt to grow in wet savannas, pocosins, baygalls, and bogs. The shrub is named for John Fothergill, British physician and botanist who died in 1780. The specific name honors Alexander Garden (1730-1791), a Scottish physician and plant enthusiast who lived in South Carolina and introduced the plant to England.

It grows best in rich moist, slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to partial or dappled shade. While the flower display and fall color are often best in full sun, the shrub overall does better with some afternoon shade.  It will tolerate wet soils and compaction yet is also drought tolerant. The shrub begins with a rounded habit and matures to a height of 3 to 6 feet and a width of 2 to 6 feet, thus its alternate name of Dwarf Fothergilla. Over time, if suckers are not removed, it will colonize other areas of the landscape.  Propagate this shrub by stem cuttings as the seeds are difficult to germinate.

Coastal witch-alder has no petals; the showy part of its flowers are its aromatic stamens which resemble bottle brushes and emerge before the leaves in the spring. The blue-green leathery leaves turn to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows providing knock out color in the fall landscape depending on the growing conditions.

Bees and pollinators are attracted to this honey-scented shrub, making it an ideal addition to pollinator, native, or children’s gardens. It also works well planted along a foundation, as a specimen plant in a woodland or cottage garden or grouped in mass to create an informal, low hedge. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  

No significant problems. 

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.