The Story
Plant Bio
Agonis flexuosa, native to coastal south-west Western Australia, is an evergreen tree with a weeping habit and narrow, willow-like leaves that release a distinct peppermint scent when crushed. In spring and summer, it produces dense clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers along the ends of its pendulous branches.
'After Dark' is a spontaneous seedling mutation selected for its deep burgundy-black foliage, which emerges as brilliant claret-red in spring before darkening. This cultivar maintains its intense purple-black colouration throughout winter, contrasting sharply with its white, burgundy-centred flowers.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
236 inches
Width
138 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low to Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to High
Lifespan
20-50 years
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site with well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, ensuring protection from strong, dry afternoon winds.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and to the same depth, then gently backfill without burying the collar.
- Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, and apply an organic mulch layer to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk.
- Irrigate regularly during the first summer to establish a deep root system, transitioning to occasional deep watering once established.
Pro Tip
Plant in a position shielded from baking afternoon winds, as dry radiant heat scorches the foliage and thins the canopy; prune lightly immediately after flowering to stimulate fresh burgundy growth without cutting back into bare, non-regenerative interior wood.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, bushy form.
- Water deeply during extended dry summer periods to maintain lush foliage.
- Ensure the soil is highly permeable and drains freely to prevent root rot.
Don't
- Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood as it may fail to shoot.
- Do not allow the plant to sit in waterlogged or standing water.
- Do not plant in completely unshielded, baking inland sites without wind protection.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
After Dark Peppermint Tree questions
What zones can After Dark Peppermint Tree grow in?
After Dark Peppermint Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does After Dark Peppermint Tree bloom?
After Dark Peppermint Tree typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does After Dark Peppermint Tree need full sun?
After Dark Peppermint Tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is After Dark Peppermint Tree drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), After Dark Peppermint Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Agonis to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow After Dark Peppermint Tree with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.