Fothergilla gardenii Windy City

Windy City Fothergilla

Fothergilla gardenii ‘Windy City’ — commonly called Windy City® Dwarf Fothergilla — is a compact, deciduous shrub valued for its improved form, fragrant spring blooms, and vibrant fall color. It forms a dense, rounded plant with neat branching and attractive blue-green foliage. In early spring, before or as the leaves emerge, it produces showy, honey-scented, white bottlebrush flowers. In fall, the foliage turns brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, providing strong seasonal interest.

Mature Size:
Width: 3–4 ft
Height: 3–4 ft

USDA Zones: 5a–8b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best fall color in sun)
Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic soils; intolerant of alkaline soils
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Compact, mounded deciduous shrub with a dense habit
Fragrant, white bottlebrush flowers in early spring
Neat growth habit ideal for smaller landscapes
Outstanding multicolor fall foliage display
Excellent for borders, foundation plantings, and native gardens

Maintenance:
Low maintenance; prune only as needed after flowering
Prefers acidic soils; avoid lime
Mulch to maintain moisture and improve soil conditions

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

3-4'

Width

3-4'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Steel Blue

Fall color

Orange Red

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Compact, Globe Shaped, Mounded

Bark

Smooth

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No