There were three Fothergilla gardenii planted here. Now there are two and these are barely hanging on. They are suffering from base compaction, reflected heat and, ironically, wet soil (or at least they were over their first year, while the irrigation system was being tweaked.) Remember these are eastern woodlanders that prefer even moisture, humusy soil and less intense sun. The Isanti Redtwig Dogwoods running down to the left are much more tolerant/proven plants here in the west on a variety of sites.