Sierra laurel is a lovely, versatile Northwest native plant in the heath family (Ericaceae) deserving of more attention from home gardeners. A low-growing, evergreen shrub with an erect habit, it bears stunning, hot-pink flower buds that open in June to reveal clusters of fragrant, nodding, urn-shaped white blossoms.
The Arboretum has a couple of handsome specimens in the Pacific Connections Garden that are worth visiting any time of year. In the latest issue of the Arboretum Bulletin, plant expert Walt Bubelis profiles the plant and tells you where to find it.
