Fothergilla x intermedia 'Mt. Airy'

Mt. Airy Fothergilla features showy spikes of fragrant white flowers rising above the foliage in mid spring before the leaves. It has bluish-green deciduous foliage. The round leaves turn an outstanding scarlet in the fall.

Mt. Airy Fothergilla will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species.