What is a sensational shrub? I believe it’s a shrub that features striking characteristics multiple times a year, or as my friend Lee May puts it, “they multi-task.” Whether it’s flowers, fragrance, foliage, or winter interest, a sensational shrub will provide your garden with interesting qualities throughout the year. Fothergilla x gardenii ‘Blue Shadow’ fits perfectly into this category.
Spring is on the fast-track over much of the country and with it blooms abound. It’s been quite entertaining and worrisome at the same time. Still plenty of time for hard frosts and freezing temps. One of spring’s early bloomers is Fothergilla. This shrub typically blooms in early spring (April to early May) but has been blooming for me since mid March. I love the small pom pom blooms composed of tiny bottlebrush spikes. The white flowers are echoed in the many dogwoods currently in bloom. They feel light and fresh. To me, they symbolize a start to a new beginning.
As new leaves emerge, they appear powder blue– an effect caused by the silver-grey felt which covers them. The foliage will become leathery and broad as it transforms to a striking blue to blue-green throughout the growing season, changing to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. You might even see some purple in the final act.
Fothergilla ‘Blue Shadow’ is a compact slow-grower. It will grow 4-6’ tall and as wide for the first 10 years. So far, there are no known serious insect or disease problems. Try Fothergilla and put a little white in your life this spring. I’m looking forward to following its progress all year.
FOTHERGILLA x gardenii ‘Blue Shadow’
Common Name: fothergilla
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 4 to 6 feet
Spread: 4 to 6 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Color: White/Ivory
Sun: Full sun to part shade