HOW TO GROW & CARE FOR SEVEN-SON FLOWER (HEPTACODIUM)
This late-blooming, tree-like shrub boasts multiple seasons of interest.
Temple of Bloom® heptacodium. Photo by: Proven Winners
Seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides) may sound like a plant that belongs in the perennial garden, but it’s actually an eye-catching ornamental shrub that offers interest every month of the year with its unusual foliage, flowers, and bark.
The show begins in early spring with the emergence of glossy emerald-green leaves that retain their rich color well into fall. In late summer, when most plants begin to wane, it explodes with creamy white clusters of sweetly scented flowers that attract a multitude of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. After the blooms fade, bright red bracts remain, providing a vibrant display of color throughout the autumn months. Even in the dead of winter, in the absence of foliage and flowers, this plant’s elegant, vase-shaped habit and exfoliating tan bark continue to provide strong visual interest.
In addition to its four-season appeal, seven-son flower is easy to care for, adapts to almost any soil type, and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. It also works well in a variety of garden settings because of its ability to be grown as a large shrub or small tree, depending on how you prune and shape it.
On this page: Basics | Planting | Care & Pruning | Frequently Asked Questions
On this page:
HEPTACODIUM BASICS
Botanical name:
Heptacodium miconioides
Common names:
Seven-son flower
Plant type:
Botanically classified as a deciduous shrub, but often grown as a single- or multi-trunk tree.
Zones:
5-9
Origin:
Central and eastern China
Exposure:
Part to full sun
Size:
10 to 20 feet tall; 8 to 10 feet wide
Growth rate:
Moderate to fast
Flowers:
Small white flowers are produced at the tips of the branches in clusters of seven (thus the plant’s common name). When the petals drop in the fall, the long-lasting bracts turn a vibrant rosy-red color, creating the illusion of a second bloom.
Foliage:
Thick, glossy, dark green leaves measure 3 to 6 inches in length and are narrowly heart-shaped, with pronounced veining.
Landscape uses:
Specimen plant, shrub border, privacy screen or hedge, woodland garden, pollinator garden.
Special attributes:
- Year-round interest
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Fragrant flowers
- Non-invasive
PLANTING HEPTACODIUM
Temple of Bloom® flowers. Photo by: Proven Winners
When to plant:
The optimal time to plant Heptacodium is in early spring so it has time to establish roots before the heat of summer arrives. Otherwise, wait until early-to-mid fall, when the temperatures are cooler and the soil is still warm enough for good root growth.
Where to plant:
Flowers most prolifically in a location that receives partial to full sun (at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily). Avoid dense shade, which results in leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Soil:
Prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil, but will tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
How to plant:
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly shallower to allow for settling. If your soil tends to retain water, incorporate some organic matter into the hole before planting to improve drainage and soil fertility. Place your seven-son flower in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is slightly higher than ground level. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base of the plant to eliminate air pockets. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Spacing:
If planting seven-son flower in groups, space plants at least 15 feet apart to accommodate their spreading branches and prevent overcrowding.
HEPTACODIUM CARE & PRUNING
Temple of Bloom® bark. Photo by: Proven Winners
Watering:
For the first year or so after planting, it’s important to water seven-son flower regularly to keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) until the roots become established. After that time, it can endure occasional dry spells, but should be watered during prolonged periods of drought. When watering is needed, it’s best to soak your plant deeply once a week rather than give it shallow and frequent waterings.
Amendments & fertilizer:
When planted in fertile soil, seven-son flower generally needs no additional fertilization. However, if your soil is poor, consider applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring, following the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates. Adding compost or other organic matter to the soil is also beneficial and will help to enhance its fertility.
Mulch:
To help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around your Heptacodium every year, keeping it a few inches away from the base to prevent rot and damage from wood-boring insects.
Pruning:
If growing seven-son flower as a shrub, very little pruning is required other than to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches and to thin out crowded growth. If you prefer to train your plant into a tree-like form and draw attention to the beautiful peeling bark, gradually prune off the lower branches to create a clear trunk. It’s best to do this over the course of a few years to avoid stress to your plant. Because seven-son flower forms buds shortly after the leaves emerge in spring, the best time to prune is late winter through very early spring, while your plant is in dormancy.
Diseases and pests:
Has no significant disease or insect problems. However, root rot can occur in overly wet, poorly drained soil.
Temple of Bloom fall color. Photo by: Proven Winners
TEMPLE OF BLOOM®
(Heptacodium miconioides)
Plant type: Shrub, often pruned into a tree-like form
Zones: 5 to 9
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet tall, 6 to 10 feet wide
Until recently, seven-son flower has been a rare sight in North American gardens due to its limited availability. That is about to change, thanks to the introduction of a new cultivar called Temple of Bloom® , developed by Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs.
Temple of Bloom® blooms early in the season, providing extended interest and color in the garden. Once the fragrant white flowers fade in the fall, they are replaced by prominent red bracts, accentuated by dramatic peeling bark.
Like other Heptacodium, Temple of Bloom® can be left in its natural shrub-like form or pruned as a tree, allowing you to use it as a specimen plant, a hedge, or in mass plantings.
Watch this video showing Temple of Bloom® in its full glory.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is seven-son flower invasive?
No, it is not considered to be invasive. The plant primarily spreads through suckers (shoots that grow from the base), which can easily be removed by clipping them off with pruners. It can also self-sow and potentially germinate under ideal conditions, but natural seed propagation is less common and easy to control.
Do deer like heptacodium?
Few plants in the garden are completely deer-proof. If you have deer in your area, they may be tempted to munch on the flowers and foliage of your seven-son flower, potentially causing damage. To protect your plant, consider using deer repellents or installing tall deer-proof fencing as a barrier. Get more tips
What is the lifespan of a Heptacodium plant?
With proper care and the right growing conditions, seven-son flower will often live for decades. To keep your plant flourishing for as long as possible, be sure to grow it in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Also water regularly during prolonged dry spells.
How fast does seven-son flower grow?
Heptacodium typically has a moderate growth rate of 12 to 24 inches per year, depending on factors such as soil fertility, sun exposure, and overall care.
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