Mount Airy Fothergilla
Fothergilla gardenii 'Mount Airy'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
60 inches
Width
60 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
20-30 years
Native To
Southeastern U.S. (hybrid)
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Fothergilla is a small, slow-growing deciduous shrub native to the southeastern U.S., prized for its fragrant, bottlebrush-like spring flowers that appear before the leaves and its brilliant, multi-colored fall foliage. 'Mount Airy' is a superior selection known for its vigorous growth, larger size, more abundant honey-scented flowers, and consistently spectacular fall color in a fiery blend of yellow, orange, and scarlet.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun to part shade and acidic, moist soil.
- Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to increase organic content.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
- Backfill with the amended soil and water well.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of acidic mulch like pine needles.
Pro Tip
Plant in acidic soil and provide consistent moisture to achieve the most vibrant, multi-hued fall foliage display.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide acidic, well-drained soil.
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Plant in full sun for the best fall color.
- Mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist.
Don't
- Do not plant in alkaline (high pH) soil.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Don't prune heavily or at the wrong time of year.
- Refrain from planting in heavy, poorly drained clay.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Mount Airy Fothergilla questions
What zones can Mount Airy Fothergilla grow in?
Mount Airy Fothergilla is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Mount Airy Fothergilla deer resistant?
Yes — Mount Airy Fothergilla is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Mount Airy Fothergilla bloom?
Mount Airy Fothergilla typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mount Airy Fothergilla need full sun?
Mount Airy Fothergilla does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Fothergilla to compare
Mt. Airy Fothergilla
Fothergilla major 'Mt Airy'
Blue Mist Dwarf Fothergilla
Fothergilla gardenii 'Blue Mist'
Dwarf Fothergilla
Fothergilla gardenii
Blue Shadow Fothergilla
Fothergilla gardenii 'Blue Shadow'
Bottlebrush Fothergilla
Fothergilla intermedia 'Legend Of The Small'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Mount Airy Fothergilla with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
