Fothergilla major

Mountain witch alder, Fothergilla major, is an attractively branched deciduous shrub native to the forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains.

It's primarily grown for its creamy bottlebrush flowers, which are fantastically perfumed and often smelled before they're seen. In autumn, the glaucous green leaves turn blazing shades of yellow, orange and red before falling.

For best results, grow Fothergilla major in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained and acidic soil. Softwood cuttings can be taken from early to midsummer. Boost the humus content of the soil by mulching with leaf mould. Fothergilla major has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).