'Mount Airy' Fothergilla is a compact, deciduous shrub that offers multi-season interest with fragrant spring blooms, lush summer foliage, and brilliant fall color. A hybrid of Fothergilla gardenii and Fothergilla latifolia, this stunning cultivar was discovered at Mt. Airy Arboretum in Cincinnati, Ohio, by renowned plantsman Michael Dirr.

Thriving in acidic, organically rich soils with consistent moisture and good drainage, 'Mount Airy' performs best in full sun but also tolerates partial shade. Its showy white, bottlebrush-like flowers appear in early spring before the blue-green foliage emerges, filling the air with a sweet honey-like fragrance. As autumn arrives, the leaves transform into a striking mix of yellow, orange, red, and purple, often displaying multiple colors on a single leaf.

Growing slowly to 3–6 feet tall and wide, this multi-stemmed shrub has a naturally rounded, compact habit. It spreads by suckers, which can be removed if containment is desired. Deer-resistant and low-maintenance, 'Mount Airy' is an excellent choice for cottage gardens, shrub borders, low hedges, sensory gardens, and foundation plantings. It also pairs beautifully with other acid-loving plants like rhododendrons and blueberries.

Quick ID Hints:

White, bottlebrush-shaped, honey-scented flowers in spring
Stunning yellow-orange-red fall foliage
Leaves with rounded teeth near the apex

Plant Benefits:

• Fragrant Blooms – Sweetly scented spring flowers attract pollinators
• Seasonal Beauty – Stunning foliage from spring through fall
• Deer Resistance – Less likely to be browsed by deer
• Versatile Uses – Works well in mass plantings, borders, or as a specimen plant

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious issues, making it an easy-care addition to any landscape.