Fothergilla, Mount Airy #3
Mount Airy Fothergilla
Fothergilla x intermedia 'Mount Airy'
- Height: Typically 3–5 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
- Spread: Approximately 3–5 feet wide
- Spacing: Plant 3–5 feet apart for a tidy, impactful display
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Deciduous
- Native to United States
Description
Mount Airy Fothergilla makes a stunning statement in any landscape with its vibrant four-season display. In early spring, its showy, honey-scented, bottlebrush-like white flowers burst forth before the foliage appears, delivering an uplifting splash of brilliant color. As summer unfolds, the shrub’s leathery, blue-green leaves provide a polished, textural backdrop that sets the stage for a truly magnificent fall transformation—when the foliage turns into a dazzling array of yellows, oranges, and reds. Perfectly sized for Michigan’s cooler climate, this compact shrub offers an inspiring and refreshing accent for borders, mixed shrub plantings, or even container displays in smaller spaces.
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of direct light daily is ideal for optimum flowering and fall color.
- Watering: Water regularly after planting to establish a healthy root system; once established, occasional watering during extended dry periods
- Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and stabilize soil temperature, ensuring a small gap around the shrub for proper airflow.
- Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to remove suckers and maintain a neat, compact shape.
Mount Airy Fothergilla adds a gorgeous, uplifting accent to Michigan landscapes, offering a fresh burst of fragrant spring blooms and a stunning fall display that elevates any outdoor space.
