Fothergilla x 'Mt.Airy' (fothergilla)

University of Maryland Extension Recommended Native Shrub

Maryland DNR Deer-Resistant Plant

The Mount Airy fothergilla, a deciduous shrub, is an award-winning dwarf cultivar with stunning, honey-scented bottlebrush flowers in Spring and outstanding Fall color. Mature size: 5–6' tall, 2–3' wide. Tolerates some shade but producees best floral and foliage display in full sun. Prefers moist, rich, acidic soil. Blooms: fragrant, white, terminal clusters; April to May. Foliage: dark, blue-green foliage. Fall color is a stunning mix of yellow, orange and red. Habit: upright shrub, suckers. Growth: slow growth rate. Good for massed plantings, specimen plantings, shrub borders, or as foundation plants. Resists browsing by deer.

Fothergilla, also known as witch alder, is native to southeastern U.S. Attracts butterflies and bees. Deer and rabbits eat the blooms but leave the shrub alone after the flowers have faded.

Photo by Kathy Thornton