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Legend of the Small® Fothergilla

Fothergilla × intermedia ‘Legend of the Small’ PP 34,139


Regular price $2615
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Under $50 $9.99
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Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Fragrant, Fall Color/Interest, Native, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, and Non-invasive

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Fothergilla × intermedia ‘Legend of the Small’ PP 34,139
  • Height
    2-3 ft
  • Width
    2-4 ft
  • Growing Zones
    5-9
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
    • Partial shade
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Flower Color
    • Pink
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
    • Yellow
    • Orange
    • Red
  • Fall Color
    Orange, Yellow
  • Native
    Yes
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Fragrant
    Yes
  • Bloom Period
    Late Spring
  • Does Not Ship To
    AK, HI, ID, MT, OR

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This shrub performs best in full sun, which means 6 or more hours of direct light each day. While it can handle partial shade, you will get the most vibrant autumn leaf colors and the densest bottle-brush blooms if it stays in a sunny spot.
  • Soil: Aim for rich, acidic soil that stays consistently moist but drains well. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost or pine bark to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

For the first year, water your Fothergilla deeply two or three times a week to help the roots settle into their new home. Once established, this variety is moderately drought tolerant, but you should still provide supplemental water during dry spells to prevent the leaves from scorching. If watering is inconsistent, you might notice the plant producing fewer flowers the following spring.

Pruning Tips

Legend of the Small® blooms on "old wood," meaning the flower buds for next year are formed shortly after this year's flowers fade. To avoid cutting off next year's display, only prune immediately after the spring blooms have finished. Think of it like a light haircut; just trim back wayward branches to maintain its naturally compact, mounded shape.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall. This prevents the plant from putting on tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, which can lead to winter dieback.


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!

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Legend of the Small® Fothergilla bloom?

  • It blooms in early to mid-spring, before leaves emerge.

Is this shrub deer-resistant?

  • Yes, deer typically avoid Fothergilla.

What size does it grow to?

  • It grows 2 to 2.5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide.

Does it need full sun?

  • It prefers full sun to part shade, with some afternoon shade in hotter zones.

Is it native?

  • Yes, it is derived from native southeastern U.S. species.

Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery?

  • Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog!

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