Fothergilla gardenii — 2004 Plant of Merit
Native to the southeastern U. S., this dense, compact, deciduous shrub thrives in moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soils. Best ornamental features are fragrant white flowers in bottlebrush-like clusters in spring, quality dark green foliage in summer and brilliant fall color in varying shades of orange, red and yellow. It typically grows 2-3 feet tall and as wide but will sucker over time to form colonies. Group or mass in shrub borders, foundation plantings or native plant areas.