Fothergilla Mt Airy

SKU: 6256

$34.99

Fothergilla ‘Mt. Airy’ offers fragrant, bottlebrush white flowers in spring, lush summer foliage, and brilliant fall color. A compact, hardy shrub that brings multi-season beauty to borders, foundations, and woodland gardens.

Product Category

Fothergilla Mt Airy

Fothergilla major 'Mount Airy'

Fothergilla ‘Mt. Airy’ is a highly admired deciduous shrub known for its exceptional multi-season interest and compact, elegant growth habit. In early spring, before its leaves emerge, the plant produces fragrant, bottlebrush-like white flowers that attract pollinators and add a soft, airy texture to the garden. As summer arrives, its foliage develops into dense, rich green leaves that lend depth and structure to borders, woodland plantings, and foundation beds.

The show continues in autumn, when ‘Mt. Airy’ becomes a brilliant display of fiery oranges, reds, and yellows, often achieving some of the most vivid fall color among small shrubs. Appreciated for its adaptability and low-maintenance nature, this variety thrives in both sun and partial shade and performs especially well in naturalistic or woodland-inspired landscapes. Its refined shape and reliable seasonal transitions make it a treasured choice for gardeners seeking a shrub that shines from spring through fall.

Care Instructions:

Planting: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Choose acidic, well-drained soil and space plants 4–6 feet apart to accommodate mature size.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during the first year. Once established, water during extended dry periods.

Pruning: Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead or crossing branches in late winter if desired.

Pest Control: Generally resistant to pests and diseases. Monitor occasionally for leaf spot; treat only if necessary.

Soil Tips: Prefers acidic, humus-rich soil. Add peat moss or compost to improve structure and maintain soil acidity.

Plant TypeShrubs
Hardiness Zone(s)5, 6, 7, 8
ExposurePartial Sun, Full Sun
Season of InterestMid Spring, Late Spring, Summer, Fall
Plant Height3' - 6' (ft)
Plant Spread3' - 6' (ft)
Spacing4' - 5' (ft)
Water NeedsAverage
Maintenance LevelLow
Soil TypeLoam, Clay, Sand
Soil PHAcidic
Soil DrainageMoist but Well Drained
Bloom ColorWhite
Foliage ColorGreen
CharacteristicsShowy, Plant of Merit, Fragrant
AttractsBirds, Butterflies
Garden UsesHedges and Screens, Beds and Borders

Plant Calculator


Square Planting Pattern

diagram-sq
Plants Needed:
Based on # Sq. Ft.:
Plants Centered On:

Triangular Planting Pattern

diagram-tri
Plants Needed:
Based on # Sq. Ft.:
Plants Centered On:

Note: Actual plants needed may vary slightly.