This small shrub's three-season interest makes it a popular choice among gardeners. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall with a dense, mounded habit, and it's highly valued for its springtime flowers, excellent summer foliage, and gorgeous fall color. It prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soils but will grow in average garden soils as long as the pH isn't too high. Yellowing leaves indicate the soil is overly alkaline. The shrub will not do well in heavy clay, which often leads to root rot. Fothergilla species flourish in full sun or part shade. Leaf color is most vivid and flower production is increased when the shrub receives light all day, although the plant appreciates afternoon shade in hot climates. It tolerates occasional drought once established but benefits from consistent moisture, especially in sandy or fast-draining soils and during the first growing season. The shrubs spread by stolons (root sprouts) to slowly form a patch; remove the stolons to control spread. 'Mount Airy' is often used as a specimen, in a border, as a hedge, or for naturalizing.
Fothergilla is a genus containing two species of deciduous shrubs native to the southeastern US: Fothergilla gardenii and Fothergilla major. 'Mount Airy’ is a hybrid Fothergilla cultivar that was discovered by Michael A. Dirr at the Mt. Airy Arboretum in Cincinnati, Ohio. This species occurred naturally, as the Mt. Airy Arboretum had both parents planted in close proximity. The hybrid was then selected to be bred as a cultivar (the term "cultivar" means "cultivated variety"). Entomologist Douglas Tallamy advises gardeners to use hybrids and cultivars in moderation and not to the exclusion of straight native species. A good way to achieve an ideal ratio is to use keystone species. These powerhouse plants ensure that your landscape is supporting genetic diversity and larger numbers of pollinators. This leaves room to indulge in a few cultivars, hybrids, or non-natives.
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 3-5' tall and wide.
Prefers full or part sun.
Prefers moist, well-drained, rich, acidic soils but also grows in average soils. Avoid heavy clay. Moderately drought tolerant once established.
Terminal, bottlebrush-like spikes (1-3” long) of tiny, white flowers bloom April-May after foliage emerges. Showy white filaments and yellowish anthers have a honey-like scent.
Leathery, ovate to obovate leaves are 2-4" long with dark green surfaces and bluish-gray undersides. Fall colors are yellow, orange and reddish purple. Shaded conditions tend to result in more yellow leaves than orange or red.
Reproductive System: plant contains both male and female flower parts (monoecious).
Wildlife Value:
Provides early-season nectar for pollinators and cover/nesting sites for birds. Deer and rabbits tend not to browse on the twigs and leaves.
Resources:
Holden Forests and Gardens
https://holdenfg.org/nature-profiles/fothergilla/
Missouri Botanical Garden
Penn State Extension
https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-garden-terminology
Plant Detectives
https://plantdetectives.com/pages/the-fothergilla-guide
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