Fothergilla x intermedia 'Mount Airy'

An upgrade on an already fantastic North American native shrub, Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Mount Airy’ features exceptional vigor, heavy bloom, and excellent fall color. A selection by plantsman Michael Dirr, this substantially sized, three-season favorite has all the hallmarks of a great Fothergilla—white, fragrant, bottlebrush-shaped flowers in mid spring, rounded leaves in shades of green to blue-green in summer, and spectacular autumn foliage to include scarlet, fiery orange, and golden hues. A recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

Fothergilla, a genus in the Witch Hazel family, offers some outstanding deciduous shrubs that are not as widely known or planted as they deserve to be. There are only two species, F. major and F. gardenii, both commonly found in southeastern North America. They thrive in moist, acid, organic soil, and bloom profusely in full sun. Their rounded, dense shape is mirrored by rounded, deep green—sometimes blue-green—foliage that in fall turns yellow, orange, and red, often all on the same plant.

For more information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.