Heptacodium: Seven Sons Flower
If you were to wander through Portland in October, you may catch a hint of honeysuckle in the air and assume it’s emanating from the flowery vine, but it’s more likely coming from this unassuming tree!
Plant care & info
Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle family)
Genus: Heptacodium (hep-tuh-COE-dee-um)
Common Name: Seven Sons Flower (flower whorls contain seven small flowers)
China
Just one species exists, Heptacodium miconioides. White, honeysuckle-scented flowers bloom in late summer to early fall. Purplish-red fruit follows, covered by sepals that change from green to bright pink, adding ornamental appeal.
Green, lance-shape leaves turn gold in autumn. Interesting bark peels off in long strips. The tree has a graceful, sinuous shape in maturity.
Grows 15-20’ tall and 8-10’ wide, making a wonderful small tree.
Prefers sun to part shade, and is not fussy about soil type. If it’s planted in a very hot spot, water deeply (45 minutes with a soaker hose) every other week in summer. If planted in a cool, shady area, it may be fine without extra water once established. Zone 5.
Usually pest & disease free.
Seven Sons Flower, Heptacodium miconioides, spends October covered in tiny white flowers, packing a fruity sweet scent that is not to be missed.
It gets even better when berries form and hot pink sepals (similar to Abelia sepals) cover the tree in dusky pink. When the show is over, the tree continues to perform, showing off lovely bark that peels in long shredded bits.
Add to this its great pest and disease resistance, in addition to a small stature, and we come close to perfection!
