Mount Airy Fothergilla

The Mount Airy Fothergilla might be a new name to you, but this is an American native shrub you should be growing. It grows steadily into a rounded bush 5 or 6 feet tall and wide, with unique spring flowers like white and yellow bottlebrushes. These are followed by attractive blue-green leaves that turn incredible fall colors, with a tapestry of gold, orange, red and purple. It is lovely enough for formal gardens, but also looks great in woodland gardens, sunny spots in shade gardens and in natural settings.

• Unique spring flowers like white and yellow bottle-brushes
• Spectacular fall colors of gold, orange and purple-reds
• Blue-green summer leaves
• Grows well in any moist soil
• Hardy even in zone 4

Place the Mount Airy Fothergilla in a sunny spot for the best fall colors, but it grows well in partial shade. It grows easily in moist, well-drained rich soils, preferably a little acidic. Plant it with azaleas and rhododendrons, use mulch and water regularly during dry weather. It has no pests or diseases, needs no pruning, and grows across most of the country.