Return to Plant Finder

Clicking the following controls will change the main image displayed above.

photo of Dr. Tom Ranney

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney
North Carolina, USA

LEGEND OF THE SMALL®

Bottlebrush

Fothergilla x intermedia

'NCFI1'

PP#34,139; CBRAF

Swipe to View More
Legend of the Small™ with white blooms "} Legend of the Small™ with mounded habit Legend of the Small™ with yellow, orange, and red leaves in autumn
  • Native to North America
  • Great Fall Color
  • Fragrant
Description

A true, small-leaf, small-stature 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, has a well-branched mounded habit, and small bluish-green leaves that turn an attractive blend of yellow, orange, and red in autumn.

USDA Zone
5 - 9 (-20°F/ -28.8° C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
2-2.5'
Width
2-4'
Finish Time
1.5 seasons
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green, Blue
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.

  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week October 8, 2020
  • Benchcard: Legend of the Small® Fothergilla Benchcard
  • Spec Sheet: Legend of the Small™ Fothergilla spec sheet
  • Grower Sheet: Legend Of The Small® Grower Sheet

    • Features: Deer resistant, Fragrant, Fall interest, 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, Blue foliage

    Features: Deer resistant, Fragrant, Fall interest, 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, Blue foliage