02/17/2021
Seven-son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides) -
This is one of my favorite large shrubs/small trees to use in a landscape! A member of the honeysuckle family, this plant exhibits interest through the seasons. As it matures, it develops an upright and broad branching habit and the exfoliating bark reveals shades of cinnamon, light tan, and dove gray. It's tolerant of full sun to light shade, grows well in a variety of soil types, and is cold hardy to Zone 5. Without a doubt, it's a versatile plant for the landscape, but the flowering really makes it remarkable.
At a time of year when most plants are struggling just to remain attractive and make it to the end of the season, or thinking about exhibiting their fall colors, Seven-son Flower begins to shine. Starting very late in the summer, fragrant, pure white flowers emerge. Sweet in their smell, but not overpowering. Attractive to essential pollinators, large plants can be covered with bees and butterflies. And as those flowers begin to fade, a showy red to pink calyx (the outer whorl of the flower) remains.
It's quite easy to maintain as the plants require only light pruning to help control their habit and are free from major disease and insect issues. Best when designed into the landscape as a stand alone specimen, or as a backdrop in a mixed border. Several recent cultivar introductions have made the plant more readily available at garden centers and landscape nurseries.
Consider adding one to your landscape!
