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T16. Fothergilla major 'Blue Shadow'
Mountain witch alder, large fothergilla (cultivar)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–8
Full sun to partial shade
Moist soil
Native
5–6 feet tall
A striking cultivar of our native mountain witch alder, 'Blue Shadow' is a vigorous small, upright shrub with distinctive leaves of powdery blue. Far superior to the earlier cultivar 'Blue Mist', 'Blue Shadow' is a branch sport of horticultural guru Michael Dirr's popular 'Mount Airy', selected by Gary Handy of Handy Nursery. In fall, the foliage of 'Blue Shadow' turns a mouthwatering mix of reds, yellows, and oranges. Bottlebrush-like clusters of honey-scented creamy-white flowers adorn the plant prior to the emergence of the young foliage in spring. Grow it in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Copyright Tim Wood, Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc.