Fothergilla: 'Mount Airy'

Latin name: Fothergilla ‘Mount Airy’
Common name: Fothergilla ‘Mount Airy’
Flowers: White, showy, fragrant flowers¹²
Fruit: Inconspicuous¹⁶
Height & Width: 5’ x 5’¹²
Type: Deciduous shrub¹²
Habit: Upright¹²
Wetland indicator category**: NA¹⁷
Texture: Medium¹⁶
Growth rate: Moderate¹⁶
Light: Full sun to part shade¹²
Moisture: Medium¹²
Soil*: Medium, pH 5-6¹²
Zones: 5-8¹²
Origin: Southeastern United States¹⁶

Features: Fothergilla is a highly desirable plant in landscapes due to its abundant blooms in spring, full foliage in summer, and vibrant colors of orange, red and purple in the fall. This cultivar was discovered at the Mt. Airy Arboretum by Michael Dirr. This species is typically larger but otherwise unchanged from the other variety of Fothergilla in this garden¹². It may be a cross between F. gardenii and F. major.

Siting: These plants perform well in medium moisture and well-drained soils. They prefer full sun be will survive in part shade. Acidic soil is preferable with plenty of organic matter¹².

Care: Plant crown at soil level¹⁸. At planting, water the roots and surrounding area slowly and deeply. Keep soil moist until plant is established, then apply enough water to thoroughly moisten the root zone when the soil is dry or during drought. Modify water recommendations to reflect site drainage and rainfall. Apply 3” of mulch over the planted area. Do not allow mulch to touch the plant stems¹⁸.

Pests: Plants are relatively pest resistant if cultural preferences are met.

Alexander Smolka

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