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Agonis flexuosa

Peppermint Tree

Plant photo of: Agonis flexuosa
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Information by: Plant Nerd and SelecTree        Photographer: Steve Mullany/Sortomme

 

Description

Peppermint Tree (Agonis flexuosa) is an excellent specimen tree for small- and medium-sized gardens. This Australian native tree reaches 35' tall and 15’-30’ wide, is very low-water-use, and is low maintenance. These trees can be found in nurseries in both single-trunk and multi-trunk forms. The natural growth habit is weeping and irregular, so it does require some selective pruning and shaping when it is young to achieve the desired look. Thinning out the heavy, weeping branches will take some of the weight out of them, and they usually lift. The tree may require this type of pruning a few times a year for the first two or three years. Once it has reached a height requiring a ladder to prune, it should be shaped by a licensed arborist. Since this tree has very low water use, it is susceptible to root rot during the hotter months if it is overwatered. It does very well in California-friendly gardens that typically prefer most of their irrigation in the fall, winter, and spring, with very little supplemental water in the summer. This tree should be planted at least five feet away from any hardscape areas, 10 feet from structures such as houses and buildings, and not near any powerlines. Shrubs and perennials should be planted about three feet away from this tree. It should be irrigated for about 45 minutes once a week when using most in-line drip irrigation systems.

 

Plant Type

Tree

Height Range

25-40'

Flower Color

White

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

Brown, Red

Fruit Color

Brown

Fruit Season

Fall

Leaf Season

Evergreen

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Moist

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Seascape, Spanish

Accenting Features

Espalier, Fragrance, Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Background, Park, Street Tree

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen, Shade Tree

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.