Heptacodium miconioides

One of the first questions I get asked about the ease and beauty of this tree is: How invasive is it? We do associate ease of growth with invasive qualities, often with good reason. But Heptacodium miconioides has not proven to be a problem for any of my planting sites. I love the common name - Seven-son Flower which, more often than not, refers to the structure of the flower. In researching the area of origin (an eastern province of China) there reigned a King with seven powerful sons... such delicious coincidences make life so much more interesting. Today we find that Heptacodium m. is very rarely found growing in the wild. Thank goodness our western gardens were introduced to this lovely plant twice - first in the early 1900's (didn't register with gardeners at this time, for some reason) and again in the 1980's. Both times, the introduction was a result of plant hunting expeditions to China. To come upon this in the wild - what a site it must have been!

Even though it's a late summer/early fall bloomer, it proves interesting throughout the year. Right now, the bark is absolutely beautiful. Almost every branch, from early growth on, has an interesting exfoliating habit. But what I find so engrossing about said bark is that as it ages, the tissue under the exfoliation develops a broad color range. It can sport vertical striations of green, bluish-gray, tan and/or creamy white. Such a pre-spring treat.

Heptacodium miconioides - late winter bark

The habit is relatively vase-shaped, often with sprouting suckers closely arranged around the main trunk(s). The most commonly seen Heptacodium miconioides grooming results in trunks that remain clear and exposed. Hence, the suckers are cleared regularly. May not be a bad idea to encourage a few of the heartier to remain as potential re-populators down the line. 

Conditions for optimal growth and development? Reports say Heptacodium miconioides require full sun and moist, well-drained soils on the acidic side. As a true line pusher, I have planted them in a variety of sites, but, generally the soils have been the alkaline end of the spectrum. And so far, no pH related health issues. The well-drained soils seems to be the best fit. When I have tried Heptacodium m. in a wetter site, root rot attacked. Not so sure about the necessity of full sun though, I've had pretty good success with partial shade siting. Given reports on performance from other parts of the world, I suspect that partial shade siting would be even more successful the further south you roam.

Even in our cold(er) zone 5 climate, expect an early leafing. Generally by mid- to end April the leaves will be tender, but definitely fully expanded. This will be followed, almost immediately, by a couple of days brutally hot, wicked wind - which will rip and scorch the leaves. Not to worry though, it will come back to full glory within a month or so. And my goodness. What big leaves those are! Elongated to about 7" - 8", medium green in color with nicely prominent veins throughout the growing season. Don't expect a powerful leaf show in the fall. Do expect nonstop textural interest.

Heptacodium miconioides - in flower

The habit and leaves are great but I have to admit, I'm a softy for the blooms. Arriving in early fall (zone 5), the flower and fruit are a boon the late season landscape. For us westerners, the common name (Seven-son Flower) comes from the flower structure. The flower heads are comprised of wonderfully fragrant whorls with seven small flowers in each little whorl. Small in size but so large in fragrance - a heady scent reminiscent of jasmine. Not a common outdoor fragrance this far north, to be sure. After the flowers have passed, what follows are beautiful, showy, reddish-maroon fuzzy fruits. I have not tried eating these tiny wonders, mainly because I've not found anything that promotes them as edible for humans. Hmm. More research on that topic needed.

No horrible insect or disease issues have surfaced thus far, although limited longevity has been discussed. I'll keep watch on that. Periodically I see reports of odd cankers and blights but the only concerning health issue I've experienced is root rot. Lab tested, no guess work. Treatment in this instance was definitely experimental - I decided to just move the plant. And it was a wicked mean, early summer transplant. Came back immediately, and within two years was back to the pre-rot size. Seriously - no chemicals used. Barely got watered. Just dug it up and moved it. Yeah, I know. Too easy.

When you're out doing some plant shopping this spring, if you see Heptacodium miconioides, buy one. Or two. Or three. And don't be put off by the rather unattractive container appearance, they look much better, and respond very nicely, once in the ground. Easy, easy, easy. And beautiful.