Proven Winners® Legend of the Small® Fothergilla
Fothergilla × intermedia ‘Legend of the Small’ PP 34,139
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Proven Winners® Legend of the Small® Fothergilla - #3 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Delivery and Shipping
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Delivery and Shipping
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Under $50 | $9.99 |
$50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
$100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
$150+ | $24.99 |
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Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
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2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Proven Winners® Legend of the Small® Fothergilla highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Fall Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Fragrant
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring, Late Spring

Growing Zones
Petite Bottlebrush shrub with fragrant spring flowers, the Proven Winners® Legend of the Small® Fothergilla PP#34,139 (Fothergilla x intermedia 'Legend of the Small') is a compact flowering shrub known for its fuzzy, fragrant white blooms and fiery fall foliage. Also called Bottlebrush for its showy spring flower spikes, this dwarf hybrid shrub blends the best traits of Fothergilla gardenii and Fothergilla major. In early to mid-spring, before leaves appear, it bursts into bloom with creamy-white, honey-scented flowers shaped like miniature bottlebrushes.
These upright blooms attract early pollinators. Matte blue-green foliage emerges shortly after, staying neat all summer. Leaves are oval and slightly scalloped, and flowers bloom on old wood. This petite shrub delivers four-season appeal with very little effort! Come fall, the leaves blaze in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, often with hints of purple. The fall foliage display rivals even the boldest Maples!
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
Key Features
- Dwarf flowering shrub with white bottlebrush-shaped blooms
- Fragrant spring flowers before foliage
- Brilliant fall colors in orange, red, yellow, and purple
- Only 2 to 3 feet tall and a bit wider
- Naturally rounded, dense habit
- Cold-hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9
- Supports pollinators but does not attract deer
Landscaping Uses
Native to the southeastern U.S., Fothergilla is a deciduous shrub in the Witch Hazel family and is closely related to Hamamelis. It’s a great option for wildlife-friendly and native-inspired gardens and performs beautifully in woodland or cottage garden designs.
With its small size, dense shape, and multiseason beauty, it's perfect for pollinator gardens, small yards, and landscape borders. With its compact size and striking seasonal interest, this small shrub fits nearly anywhere. Try it in borders, foundations, native gardens, or patio containers!
- Small foundation plant
- Pollinator and native plant gardens
- Front-of-border accent
- Woodland or shade gardens
- Cottage garden favorite
- Containers or courtyard landscapes
Care & Maintenance
Cold-hardy from USDA Zones 5 to 9, this variety thrives in moist, well-drained soil and appreciates afternoon shade in warmer climates. This deciduous shrub is easygoing and adaptable. It offers long-lasting beauty with minimal upkeep. Legend of the Small® Bottlebrush grows just 2 to 3 feet tall and about 2-4 feet wide, forming a naturally rounded shape. Its dense stems and upright habit keep it tidy without pruning.
- Planting Time: Best in spring or fall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade; needs afternoon shade in hot areas
- Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained soil; tolerates acidic to neutral pH
- Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture; use the Finger Test before watering
- Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch
- Fertilization Needs: Use compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Pruning Info: Prune after flowering to shape because Fothergilla blooms on old wood
- Special Perks/Growing Tips:
- Deer resistant
- Low maintenance
Small In Stature, Big On Color!
The Legend of the Small® Fothergilla brings bold color, sweet fragrance, and pollinator-friendly blooms to any garden space. Its manageable size and easy care make it a go-to for vibrant borders and small landscapes. Order your Legend of the Small® Fothergilla from naturehills.com and enjoy fragrant spring flowers and fiery fall foliage in your garden this season!