LEGEND OF THE FALL Fothergilla
Best low-maintenance shrub for gardeners seeking vibrant, long-lasting autumn foliage.
Discover the LEGEND OF THE FALL® Fothergilla, an exceptional shrub celebrated for its spectacular autumn color. Native to North America, this upright, mounding plant showcases dark, glossy green foliage that transforms into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall, holding its color for extended enjoyment. Before its leaves emerge in spring, it produces fragrant, white bottlebrush blooms. Ideal for full sun to part shade, it thrives in moist, acid, organically rich soil, though clay soils should be avoided. This deer-resistant variety is a standout choice for borders, massing, or as a specimen plant.
$40.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
857
/ 2609
#857 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+4%
Above average
Botanical Name
Fothergilla x intermedia ‘ALICE’ PPAF
/ Fothergilla x intermedia ‘ALICE’ PPAF
Who it's for
- Busy gardeners needing low-effort, resilient landscaping
- Homeowners seeking a vibrant seasonal focal point
- Gardeners wanting year-round visual variety
Who should skip it
- Plant lovers prioritizing high-impact spring floral displays
- Landscapers requiring immediate, fast-growing privacy or coverage
- Gardeners with alkaline or dry soil conditions
Performance breakdown
Seasonal Visual Impact
Exceptional foliage transformation provides unmatched autumn color intensity.
Spring Bloom Appeal
Fragrant bottlebrush flowers offer a distinct, early-season sensory experience.
Deer Resistance
Reliable protection against common garden pests reduces maintenance headaches.
Growth Habit
Upright, mounding structure creates a tidy, architectural presence in landscapes.
Soil Adaptability
Requires specific acidic, moist conditions and struggles in heavy clay.
Native Hardiness
Robust performance across zones five through nine ensures reliable longevity.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Fothergilla x intermedia ‘ALICE’ PPAF
Mature Height
4-5 Feet
Mature Spread
4-5 Feet
Exposure
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil Moisture Needs
Moist
Hardiness Zones
5-9
Critter Resistance
Deer Resistant
Fragrant Flowers
Features
- Spectacular autumn color with vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues
- Fragrant white bottlebrush blooms in early spring
- Native to North America
- Deer resistant
- Glossy green foliage
- Holds fall color for extended enjoyment
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the LEGEND OF THE FALL Fothergilla for its stunning visual appeal and robust quality. Its vibrant fall foliage, transitioning from green to brilliant oranges and reds, is a major highlight, providing exceptional seasonal interest. Gardeners frequently note its hardiness and ease of establishment, thriving reliably in various conditions. This plant is celebrated for delivering consistent beauty and a strong, healthy presence in the landscape, making it a cherished addition for its aesthetic impact and dependable performance.
Know before you buy
This shrub thrives in moist, organically rich, and acidic soil. It is important to avoid planting it in heavy clay soils, which can impede drainage and root health.
For the most vibrant red, orange, and yellow autumn foliage, plant it in a location that receives full sun to part shade. While it can tolerate some shade, more sunlight generally results in more intense seasonal color.
Yes, this variety is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, it is generally ignored by deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern.
You can expect this shrub to reach a mature height and spread of 4 to 5 feet. Its upright, mounding habit makes it well-suited for borders or as a standalone specimen plant.
The fragrant, white bottlebrush blooms appear in early spring, typically before the leaves emerge. This provides a nice visual interest early in the growing season.
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$41