The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Peppermint mountain-laurel

Family: Ericaceae (heath family)

Distribution: Species native to e. United States

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Evergreen shrub

Comments: This is a flowering shrub that grows 5 ft. tall and wide with beautiful spring blooms, glossy deep-green leaves (resembling those of rhododendrons) and gnarled stems that make it attractive in all seasons. It produces clusters of shell-pink, cup-shaped flowers with red stripes in late May to early June. It is a shade-loving shrub and grows best in rich, acidic soils (the leaves will yellow in alkaline conditions). Does well in mass plantings in shady shrub borders, woodland gardens, or for foundation plantings. It partners well with rhododendrons and azaleas. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers.