2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
This deciduous shrub with a fragrant and lush spring bloom and picturesque fall foliage is in no hurry to take root in the Russian open spaces. In less than twenty years of life in Russia, the plant has not greatly expanded the limits of its habitat, although it may well live in our climatic conditions. Indeed, in his homeland, in the forests of the Appalachian mountains, Fothergilla can withstand frosts reaching minus 30 degrees
Rod Fothergill
The genus Fothergilla is not numerous, there are only 4 species of deciduous shrubs in it. But, as folk wisdom says, the spool is small, but expensive.
If we consider the shrub in parts, then, it seems, there is nothing special in it that attracts the attention of gardeners. Leaves with a coarse-toothed margin are rough in appearance and soft to the touch, and the flowers do not have petals, forming lush inflorescences-ears of white long stamens, decorated with yellow anthers.
But the combination of these common details creates an original shrub that blooms profusely and saturates the air with a delicate aroma in spring. In the fall, its rough leaves are transformed, dressing up in bright multi-colored clothes. And the seed pod opens its beak with a bang, scattering the offspring to the will of fate.
Varieties
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Fothergilla Gardena (Fothergilla gardenii) is a slow growing upright shrub. He is in no hurry to gain height in his homeland, slightly exceeding the meter mark. Therefore, when purchasing an expensive seedling, do not expect rapid results.
The wedge-shaped leaves of the shrub are two-colored: the dark green of the upper side turns into a blue, covered with dense fluff, on the lower side. Only autumn reconciles both sides, painting them in bright red.
In early spring, when the leaves are still watching winter dreams, hiding in the buds, elongated inflorescences of creamy white or light yellow flowers bloom on the branches.
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Fothergilla large (Fothergilla major) - that's why it is "large", which grows to a greater height than the previous species can do. Its glossy dark green leaves are ovoid or round in shape. The bottom of the leaf is lighter and covered with fluff. Autumn repaints the leaves yellow, bright orange or red. In early spring, without waiting for the appearance of leaves or at the same time with them, erect short inflorescences-ears of petal-free flowers bloom.
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Fothergilla monticola (Fothergilla monticola) - The more sprawling twin of Fothergilla large. True, its leaves are colored the same on both sides. In spring and summer they are dark green, and in autumn they dress up in bright orange or red.
Growing
A feature of the cultivation of Fothergilla is its love for acidic soils. This is due to the soil conditions of her native places, where large areas are occupied by raised peat bogs. There is little experience in growing Fothergilla in the Moscow region, where it grows on peaty-sandy soil. When preparing a place for planting, you should definitely take care of creating a drainage cushion so that conditions are not created for stagnant water.
The shrub can grow in the sun and in the shade, it loves humid air, and therefore a place near a reservoir is suitable for it. Watering is required during dry periods.
In winter, the plant does not suffer from frost as much as from snow layers that weigh heavily on its fragile branches. You should take care of their safety by arranging special props.
Due to the fact that the plant appeared in our area not so long ago, it has not yet managed to make enemies for itself, and therefore our home-grown pests and plant diseases have not yet reached them.
Reproduction
When it comes to breeding, the grower gets an extra headache. For some reason, Fothergilla does not strive for rapid reproduction, moreover, the same picture is observed during her life in her homeland.
The seeds that the fruit pod unexpectedly throws out into this world can wait two years in the wings to germinate through the soil. Few have the patience for this.
The plant does not very readily respond to propagation by cuttings or layering. Only a particularly patient gardener can handle this business.
Therefore, the easiest option is to purchase a ready-made seedling, although this is not always easy to do.
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