Fothergilla 'Mount Airy'

Fothergilla 'Mount Airy': Fragrance, Foliage, and Fiery Fall

'Mount Airy' is a standout selection of fothergilla, valued for its larger stature, improved vigour, and exceptional fall colour. In spring, it’s covered in fragrant, bottlebrush-like white flowers that appear before the leaves unfurl. The foliage emerges blue-green and remains attractive through summer before erupting into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. A refined native shrub with broad appeal, 'Mount Airy' adds structure, scent, and spectacular seasonal shifts to the landscape.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–150 cm (4–5 ft)
• Spread: 120–150 cm (4–5 ft)
• Flower Colour: White, bottlebrush-like
• Flowering Period: Mid to late spring
• Foliage: Blue-green in summer; vibrant red, orange, and yellow in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, acidic, well-drained soils

Uses and Benefits: Ideal for foundation plantings, woodland gardens, and mixed shrub borders, 'Mount Airy' offers multi-season beauty and native reliability. Its fragrant spring blooms and blazing fall foliage make it a focal point in both naturalized and formal settings.

Care Instructions: Plant in acidic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Tolerates part shade but colours best in full sun. Minimal pruning required—simply remove dead wood after flowering to maintain shape.

History: Discovered at the Mt. Airy Arboretum in Cincinnati, Ohio, this cultivar is believed to be a hybrid between Fothergilla gardenii and F. major, combining compact form with enhanced hardiness and fall colour.

Final Thoughts: A fragrant spring bloomer with unforgettable autumn colour, 'Mount Airy' is a native shrub that elevates every season with quiet strength and bold style.