Seven-Son Flower
Grown as a large shrub or small tree, seven-son flower is one of the few shrubs that blooms in September.
In late summer, 6 inch-long clusters of white flowers on the ends of the branches spread their fragrance. Each small whorl of flowers contains 7 tiny flowers (giving seven-son flower its name). Rose colored sepals persist long after flowering has stopped.
It has attractive peeling bark that adds to its appeal through the year. As the tan outer bark sheds, it exposes a darker bark underneath. If allowed to develop as a shrub, the vase-shape may be 10 feet wide.
Seven-Son Flower
Grown as a large shrub or small tree, seven-son flower is one of the few shrubs that blooms in September.
In late summer, 6 inch-long clusters of white flowers on the ends of the branches spread their fragrance. Each small whorl of flowers contains 7 tiny flowers (giving seven-son flower its name). Rose colored sepals persist long after flowering has stopped.
It has attractive peeling bark that adds to its appeal through the year. As the tan outer bark sheds, it exposes a darker bark underneath. If allowed to develop as a shrub, the vase-shape may be 10 feet wide.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Heptacodium miconioides
Pronunciation
hep-tuh-KOH-dee-um mik-on-ee-OY-deez
Mature Height
12 to 20 ft.
Mature Spread
8 to 10 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
white
Bloom time
September
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
China
Light Requirements
sun, part shade
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-9
Elevation Limit
hardy to 6,500 ft.
Performance
There is one seven-son flower growing at the Water Wise Demonstration Garden. The flowers are quite pretty. The shrub needs pruning when young, otherwise its irregular branching structure makes it appear somewhat messy.
Maintenance
Prune when young to achieve desired shape when mature.