Legend of the Small® Bottlebrush

A true, small-leaf, small-stature bottlebrush (Fothergilla x intermedia) from Tom Ranney and his team at NCSU. After trialing about a dozen of his selections, this was the clear winner in terms of vigor, flower power, and fall color. It produces an abundance of bottle brush-like white flowers in spring, and boasts an appealing, well-branched mounded habit. Its small bluish-green leaves turn an attractive blend of yellow, orange, and red in autumn. Legend of the Small bottlebrush is a really nice choice for semi-shaded spots in your landscape or garden, and pairs beautifully with ferns, coral bells, hellebores, and bulbs. Like other fothergilla, it may sucker a bit, but suckers are easily pulled, cut, or severed with a sharp spade.

Additional information

Dimensions2 × 2 ft
Botanical Name

Fothergilla x intermedia 'NCFI1' PP#34,139, CBRAF

Zone

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Flower Color

White

Foliage Color

Green

Height

2-2.5'

Width/Spread

2-3'

Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun

Soil

Average, Moist, Well-drained

Bloom Time

Spring

Uses

Borders, Containers, Edging, Foundations, Low Hedges, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Woodland gardens

Features

Attracts pollinators, Compact, Deer resistant, Fall interest, Fragrant, Heat tolerant, Native

Blooms On

Old wood

Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney, NCSU

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Plant Care

Light: Full to part sun. The hotter your climate, the more shade becomes imperative, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Soil: Any well-drained soil will do.

Water: Average water needs; avoid drought.

Fertilizing: One application of a granular (not liquid) rose fertilizer in early spring is sufficient.

Pruning: Fothergilla generally needs little pruning. If you do wish to prune, do so after flowering in spring. Avoid very severe pruning, as recovery will be slow. Fothergilla is known to sucker a bit, especially when it is planted in favorable conditions, but suckers can be pulled, cut with pruners, or cut with a sharp spade as needed.