This is Mountain Laurel too. Usually they bloom in shades from white to pink.  These blooms are RED.  This is the only one I know of, and it’s in Meeks Park, right before the bridge. 

 

I have shown it to you before, a few years ago, but for the last two years it hasn’t bloomed.  That’s why I got so excited to see it this year, getting ready to bloom.  

 

Mountain Laurel is native to the eastern United States. I wonder if this one was cultivated and planted here, if it just hybridized itself and decided to be red.  Either way, we love it.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!