Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy'
Fothergilla ‘Mt. Airy’ is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub that brings beauty to the garden year-round. In spring, it produces delicate, bottlebrush-like white flowers that are not only visually striking but also emit a sweet fragrance, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. The flowers stand out against the plant’s lush, green foliage, creating a pleasing contrast.
In the fall, ‘Mt. Airy’ truly shines, with its foliage turning shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple, offering a spectacular fall display. This multi-season interest makes it a valuable shrub in the landscape, as it offers color and texture during both the growing and cooler months. Its compact size and upright habit make it ideal for smaller gardens, foundation plantings, or as part of a mixed shrub border.
Easy to grow and low-maintenance, Fothergilla ‘Mt. Airy’ is adaptable to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It thrives in both sun and partial shade, though it will produce the most vibrant fall colors when planted in full sun. This hardy, attractive shrub is perfect for gardeners looking to add a bit of fragrance, color, and texture to their landscape without requiring a lot of upkeep.
Planting: Select a location with well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Fothergilla ‘Mt. Airy’ does well in both full sun and partial shade, though it will have the best fall color with more sun exposure. Space plants about 4–5 feet apart to allow for their mature size and to promote air circulation.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Fothergilla prefers consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging. Once established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant but will thrive with regular watering during hot months.
Pruning: Prune in early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches to maintain the shrub’s natural form. Since it grows slowly, it doesn’t require much pruning, but occasional shaping can help maintain a tidy appearance.
Pest Control: Fothergilla ‘Mt. Airy’ is generally pest-resistant. However, it may occasionally be affected by aphids or scale. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or a gentle stream of water. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant due to its aromatic foliage.
Soil Tips: This shrub thrives in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. While it’s adaptable to various soil types, it prefers moist but well-drained conditions. Mulching around the base will help keep the soil cool and moist, especially in warmer climates.
