Fothergilla’s awesome mid-spring flowers make the early show, but we feel the premier comes in fall. Great for mixed borders, foundations and naturalized areas. Plant in full sun for the best display in acid, well-drained soil. The blue-green leaves turn a beautiful mix of orange, yellow and red in the fall. Though the color may vary year to year depending on weather conditions, it’s always a good show. The species can have a suckering habit but that is less common with the cultivars. Currently available are Fothergilla major, ‘Blue Shadow’, F. gardenii and ‘Mt. Airy’. They’re native to the southeast U.S. and hardy in zones 4-8.