Fothergilla, Red Licorice #3

Fothergilla 'Red Licorice'
Fothergilla × intermedia 'Red Licorice'

Height: 4–5 feet tall in Michigan
Spread: 4–5 feet wide
Spacing: Plant 4–5 feet apart for full natural form
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Bloom Color: White, bottlebrush-like
Deciduous
Ornamental shrub

Description
‘Red Licorice’ Fothergilla is a refined, compact shrub prized for its sweetly fragrant spring blooms and outstanding fall color. In early to mid-spring, it produces clusters of creamy white, bottlebrush-like flowers that appear before the leaves emerge. Its foliage is attractive on its own—blue-green in summer—but truly showstopping in fall, turning rich shades of red, orange, and yellow.

The compact size and rounded habit make it ideal for mixed borders, woodland edges, or foundation plantings. It thrives in Michigan’s climate and brings multi-season interest with very little maintenance.

General Care

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to part shade; best fall color in full sun

• Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer to conserve moisture and protect shallow roots

• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering if needed to shape or control size

With fragrant spring flowers and vibrant fall foliage, Fothergilla ‘Red Licorice’ offers refreshing texture and color in every season, making it one of the finest compact shrubs for Michigan landscapes.