[3] It is a deciduous shrub growing to 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) with fragrant white bottlebrush flowers appearing along with, or before, the glossy leaves.

The leaves often turn brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn.

[4] Fothergilla major prefers full sun to part shade and is disease and insect resistant.

[5] It thrives in moist, acidic soils, but is fairly drought tolerant.

[7] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.