In winter the fringetree shows off its deeply furrowed , grayish-brown bark. Although there's a lot of variation in habit, the Chinese fringetree has a multistemmed habit, with rounded crown and spreading branches. Expect a mature size of 15 to 25 feet high and wide. Zones 4 to 9. Dozens of cultivars give you the opportunity to choose among white, pinks, reds and bicolors.
Foliage opens a bronzy light green and turns to lustrous, dark green with age.
Mountain laurel wants moist, very well-drained, acid soils. Siting in a location where it will get shade in winter helps prevent desiccation. Zones 4 to 9. Rogers' has flowers up to 30 inches long. As if the flowers weren't enough, the foliage alone would recommend this plant.