It forms a mounded plant 2 to 3 feet tall and possesses glaucous blue foliage. Mount Airy' was selected by Michael Dirr at the Mount Airy Arboretum in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mount Airy' possesses an upright growth habit and grows 5 to 6 feet tall. Fothergillas perform best in well-drained, acid soils. While they do well in partial shade to full sun, the best flower displays and fall leaf colors occur in full sun.
Fothergillas have no serious insect or disease problems.
They are hardy in zones 5 to 8. Summersweet clethra is an excellent addition to the home landscape. While most trees and shrubs bloom in spring to early summer, summersweet clethra blooms in mid to late summer, usually late July through early September. The glossy foliage of summersweet clethra is medium to dark green. Fall leaf color is rather inconsistent, but in good years can range from pale yellow to golden brown.