Fragrant Fothergilla is the best of South Carolina native plants

No other plant native to South Carolina has such fragrant and beautiful spring blooms and such stunning fall color as the witchalders. Two species of Fothergilla are native to South Carolina and neighboring states – F. major (mountain witch-alder) and F. gardenii (dwarf witch-alder). As members of the witch hazel family, they are relatives of loropetalums, sweet gums and, of course, witch hazels.

Witch alders are very shade tolerant, but flower more profusely in the spring when planted in partially sunny sites. The white, bottle brush-shaped blooms appear before the foliage appears, and their sweet fragrance is much like that of honey. The flowers have no petals, but are two-inch spikes of bright white stamens.

Being a native to the Southeast, they are tolerant of the naturally acid soils, but will thrive in well-drained, slightly acid, loamy soils. Adjust the soil pH to approximately 6.0 for best growth. Mulch to keep the soil cooler during the summer using 3-4 inches of material, but don’t allow the mulch to be piled up against the trunks.

Witch alders are often used in foundation plantings as specimen plants, and the flowers will stand out well if planted in front of evergreen shrubs, such as rhododendrons.