Horticulture by Heart

Random fun facts:

- Not all butterfly gardens have to just be butterfly bush and perennials; have a tree! In the fall Heptacodium attracts butterflies with the flowers sweet nectar.

- Some nursery catalogs have labeled this tree as the “crepe myrtle for the northern US”. Although I suppose I can see the resemblance, I personally prefer the Seven Son’s Flower.

- The ‘flowers’ are actually sepals. So the color and ‘bloom’ time for the plant is extra long!

The Specs:

Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
Genus: Heptacodium
Species: miconioides

Common Name: Seven Son’s Flower, Heptacodium

Region of Origin/Nativity: China

Characteristics: Its a tall shrub to small tree (usually around 15 to 20′ tall is the highest), whose branches arch slightly but can be leggy with age. Leaves are opposite, entire, ovate with heart-shaped bases and acuminate tips. They resemble the leaves of a tropical fig plant. It doesn’t have any fall color, but the flowers provide nice autumn interest and the leaves hold late into the season. The flowers are fragrant and can be either white or a soft pink. The flowers hold up from the heat in August to frost. The sepals continue to grow as the flower fades. The bark is beautiful; lots of texture and peeling with deep rich browns.

Life Span: A deciduous shrub or small tree

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 to 8.

Cultivation requirements: The plant is very adaptable. It will grow in either full sun or part shade. It likes well drained soils and  it will tolerate some drought. It also likes slightly acidic soil.

Typical Pests, Diseases, associated problems: No problems to note.

Propagation Method: Its been reported to root easily from softwood cuttings. It can be grown from seed, but that would take a while. So try the cuttings!