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Heptacodium spp.

seven-son flower

Caprifoliaceae China

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Heptacodium is a monotypic genus in the family Caprifoliaceae, represented by Heptacodium miconioides, a deciduous large shrub or small tree native to China. Plants reach 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) tall and 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m) wide, with arching multiple stems and tan to gray bark that peels in long vertical strips to reveal paler underbark. The opposite leaves are oval, 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long, with three prominent veins and a slightly puckered surface. In late summer and early autumn the plant carries tiered clusters of small, fragrant creamy-white flowers arranged in groups of seven, the source of the common name seven-son flower. After the petals fall, the calyces enlarge and turn rosy-pink to red, holding their color for several weeks into autumn. The genus grows on rocky slopes and in woodland in central China and is hardy to about USDA zone 5. It needs full sun for heavy flowering and tolerates a range of soils, though young plants can be loose and open and need formative pruning to build a stronger framework.

Native Range

Heptacodium miconioides is native to China, where it grows on rocky slopes, cliffs, and in woodland in the eastern and central provinces. It is rare in the wild and was introduced to Western gardens in the 20th century.

Suggested Uses

Heptacodium spp. is grown as a specimen shrub or small tree, in shrub borders, and in pollinator gardens for its late-season flowers and winter bark. It is also planted along streets and in courtyards where space is limited.

How to Identify

Look for a large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with peeling tan bark and opposite, three-veined oval leaves. In late summer it bears tiered whorls of fragrant creamy-white flowers in groups of seven, followed by enlarged rosy-red calyces that persist into autumn. The combination of exfoliating bark and red autumn calyces separates the genus from related shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 20'

Width/Spread8' - 12'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Summer Fall

Heptacodium spp. flowers in late summer to early autumn, generally August through September, a season when few large shrubs bloom. The fragrant creamy-white flowers open in tiered clusters and draw bees and butterflies. As the flowers fade, the calyces expand and turn rosy-pink to red, extending color into October.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

medium green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-7 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Heptacodium spp. in full sun on moist, well-drained soil; it adapts to clay, loam, or sandy ground and a range of pH. Water regularly for the first few seasons to establish deep roots, after which it tolerates short dry spells. Flowering and calyx color are strongest in full sun and sparse in shade. Prune in late winter to remove crossing stems and lift the canopy if a tree form is wanted. Feeding is rarely needed in average soil. Established plants are hardy to about USDA zone 5.

Pruning

Prune Heptacodium spp. in late winter or early spring while dormant. Remove crossing or weak stems and, for a single- or multi-trunked tree form, thin the lower branches and suckers to expose the peeling bark. Light annual shaping keeps the framework strong, as unpruned young plants grow loose and arching.