Fothergilla / Witchalder

Fothergillas / Wichalder are moderately sized deciduous shrubs valued for their year-round interest: lush white to creamy-yellow, honey-scented spring blooms, blue-green summer foliage, and eye-catching red, orange, or yellow fall color. Even the twiggy network of bare branches is very attractive in winter and makes a great place for small birds to shelter and nest. Fothergillas are pest resistant, easy to grow, and thrive in a variety of soils, even tolerating drought and occasional wetness, although they prefer well-drained soils.