BLUE SHADOW WITCH ALDER

Fothergilla major ‘Blue Shadow’ PP15,490

This exciting new introduction originated as a branch sport from Fothergilla major ‘Mt. Airy’ and is blessed with the same vigorous constitution and well-structured habit.  The most alluring aspect is the striking display of large blue-gray leaves, which develop and intensify as the foliage matures.  The ivory white flowers are 1 to 2” long, honey scented, and appear in feather like filaments at the ends of the branches in April-May with the new foliage.  An outstanding autumn display of rich yellow, red and orange lasts several weeks, usually coming on in late October to November.  Blue Shadow is a medium-size deciduous shrub 5 to 6’ high and wide and easily adapts to sun or partial shade.  The blue color tends to develop better in the shade, though.  It is tolerant to a wide range of soil and environmental conditions, needs little pruning and has no major disease or insect problems.  Cold hardiness to USDA zone 4 and heat tolerance to zone 8.  Note: Some reversions to Mt. Airy (green leaves) may occur with this variety.