Fall Flowering on Seven Son Flower

Back in bloom for a second time in two months! This is my way of describing seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides), a small 15-20 foot tree or large shrub from China.

Seven-son’s creamy white petals open in late August and finish up in early September. By late September, the petals have fallen, and the small green sepals (calyces) have expanded and turned pinkish red. Blooms are lightly fragrant if your nose is a few inches from the cluster. Numerous species of butterflies and bees are attracted to their scent.

Fall leaf color is non-existent over the drab greenish yellow heart shaped leaves in late October and November. The grayish or tan colored bark peels off in narrow strips to reveal an off-white inner wood.

Seven-son appears happiest in the north, growing in northern Ohio (USDA zone 5) as far south as Nashville, TN (zone 7).  The tree does not seem to handle the rollercoaster ups and downs in winter temperatures which we commonly experience in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). By late winter, twigs and small diameter branches become heavily cankered, leading to serious dieback in the new spring growth.

Seven-son has a rambling growth habit from stem and root suckers which necessitates annual pruning. Otherwise, it makes a good patio tree so you may enjoy its twice flowering habit.

Plant in well drained soil and irrigate when summer drought period is severe.