Here's the lowdown on one of my favorite shrubs. F. gardenii is the smaller of the two species, typically topping out at less than 3 feet tall, and is wonderfully showy even when not in bloom. May. Leaves are somewhat witchhazel-like, with large, rounded, irregular toothing above the midsection. They remain dark green and remarkably clean all summer long, with only occasional insect-chewing damage. In autumn, fothergilla leaves put on a show rivaled by few shrubs.
Colors range from yellow through the oranges, and many wander into bright reds and rich maroon.
In full sun, the colors are fantastic, while in shade they are somewhat subdued. Of course, not all plants are standouts in the fall color arena. Cultivar Sampling F. gardenii 'Blue Mist' A Morris Arboretum introduction that has been floating around for quite a while. Foliage is soft, grayish blue, and adds a nice touch to the summer green doldrums. Unfortunately, the vigor of this plant is not stupendous, and it would be charitable to call the fall color less than impressive.