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Fothergilla #870929

Asked May 31, 2024, 11:44 AM EDT

We are replacing our American Cranberry bushes that were decimated by the Viburnum Leaf Beetle. #1 We are planning to replace them with Fothergilla. Is there a dwarf variety that does well in our Zone? 5A Savage, MN #2 Do we need to treat the soil that held the decimated American Cranberry bushes prior to planting the Fothergilla in their place? If so, Neem oil? Thank you! Karen Hollebrands

Scott County Minnesota

Expert Response

There are several varieties of Fothergilla.
  • Large fothergilla (Fothergilla major): Can grow up to 10 feet tall and almost as wide
  • Dwarf fothergilla (F. gardenii): Can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide, it grows here.  https://www.gardenia.net/plant/fothergilla-gardenii
  • Hybrids: Intermediate in size and form, such as the "Mt. Airy" hybrid which can grow up to 6 feet tall
  • Other cultivars: Such as the "Legend of the small bottle brush" which can grow up to 2.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide 
Fothergilla is not susceptible to Viburnum leaf beetle. If you have other non affected plants, you can improve control by digging out the old soil widely around the plant and replacing it with new garden soil and compost.
Steve Miles, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot or AI) Replied May 31, 2024, 12:10 PM EDT

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