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photo of Brian McGowan

Meet the Breeder

Brian McGowan
South Egremont, Massachussetts

LEGEND OF THE FALL®

Bottlebrush

Fothergilla x intermedia

'ALICE'

PP#32,049; CBRAF

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Legend of the Fall bottlebrush's orange, yellow, and red foliage "} Close-up of Legend of the Fall bottlebrush's white flowers. Close-up of Legend of the Fall bottlebrush's fall foliage color YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Exceptional foliage color
  • Speedy production
  • Native to North America
Description

Fothergilla has always been appreciated for its spectacular autumn color, but Legend of the Fall® fothergilla sets a new standard for the species with brilliant, glowing hues of orange, yellow, and red. Spring brings a crop of fragrant white flowers. This plant was also selected for its improved production performance, a boon since this plant will surely be in high demand by landscapers and garden designers. 

USDA Zone
5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
4 - 5'
Width
4 - 5'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Moist, acidic soils - good drainage is imperative.

Pruning

Little pruning is required - prune after flowering if desired. Avoid cutting into thick stems unless removing them entirely, as recovery will be slow.

Uses

Mixed borders; foundation plantings; woodland gardens

Growing Tips

Though tolerant of shade, flowering and fall color are best with at least some sun each day. Plant where its fragrance can be enjoyed.

  • Spec Sheet: Legend of the Fall® Fothergilla Spec Sheet
  • Grower Sheet: Legend of the Fall® Fothergilla Grower Sheet
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week September 2, 2021
  • Tag: Legend of the Fall® Fothergilla Tag
  • Benchcard: Legend of the Fall® Fothergilla Benchcard
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week October 8, 2020

    • Features: Deer resistant, Fall interest, Fragrant, Native, Heat tolerant, Attracts pollinators

    Filters: Botanical genus: Fothergilla, Common name: Bottlebrush, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Deer resistant, Fall interest, Fragrant, Native, Heat tolerant, Attracts pollinators

    Filters: Botanical genus: Fothergilla, Common name: Bottlebrush, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage