Seven Son Flower

Heptacodium miconioides

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Shrub
Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
Plant Description: Large deciduous shrub native to China. Clusters of fragrant white flowers are grouped in clusters of seven and bloom in late-summer to fall. As the blossoms gently fall to the ground they reveal vivid red, fan-like bracts. These bracts act as a second wind of colorful interest, looking like blossoms in an all new color. Usually grown with multiple stems, but it can be trained to grow on one trunk. Green leaves are simple and 2-6" in length. Exfoliating tan bark is attractive and adds to the overall beauty of this plant. Not particularly drought tolerant.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Shrub - Thinning
Plant Care: Shrub - Thinning (woody multi-stemmed plants that lose their leaves every winter and look best on older stems): Prune dead, diseased, or rubbing branches. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring for most shrubs. With spring blooming shrubs, prune after the blooms are spent. Remove up to 1/3rd of the overall shrub, keeping older branches to build up a sturdy, permanent and picturesque framework. Keep in mind that these shrubs bloom directly on older wood or on shoots that come off old wood. Monitor for pests, diseases, or other ailments on a regular basis.

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 20' tall x 8-10' wide
Utah Native: No
Plant Select: Yes
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Localscapes: Infill Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Green
Bloom Colors: White
Bloom Seasons: Late Summer
Bloom Period: Aug - Oct

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun), Part Shade (4-6 hrs morning sun), Part Sun (4-6 hrs afternoon sun)
Irrigation Requirement:     Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days)
Salt Tolerant: Unknown
Deer Resistant: Unknown

Garden Location:

  • Maintenance Path
    • Rain Gardening
  • Neighborhood Landscapes
    • Traditional Yet Thrifty
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter