Seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides ‘SMNHMRF’ TEMPLE OF BLOOM)

Features and Characteristics

Heptacodium miconioides is a large, fountain-shaped, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that typically grows 15-20′ at maturity with a 10′ spread. May also be trained as a single-trunk tree. Features terminal panicles of fragrant, creamy-white flowers in late summer to early fall. Flowers appear in capitula (flattened clusters of stalkless blooms) within typically seven-branched clusters. Each capitulum typically contains six flowers. Flowers are followed in fall by an equally showy (if not showier) display: small, purplish-red fruits (½” long drupes) crowned by very showy, rose-pink calyces which elongate after bloom and last into late fall. Tan bark exfoliates to reveal attractive brown inner bark, which provides good winter interest. Leaves are narrow, shiny, ovate-oblong and medium-green. This plant, native to China, is rare and its wild populations are vulnerable to extinction. However, it has relatively recently become available in commerce and is increasing in popularity as an ornamental shrub, though it may be difficult to find. It is a good source of nectar for butterflies and other insect pollinators in the fall.

The genus name Heptacodium comes from Greek and means “seven heads”, in reference to the typically seven-part flower clusters that make up the inflorescence.

The specific epithet miconioides alludes to the similarities of the plant to the unrelated genus Miconia in the Melastomataceae family.

The common name seven-son flower comes from the translation of the Chinese name for this plant. The name refers to the typically seven-part flower clusters that make up the inflorescence.

‘SMNHMRF’ TEMPLE OF BLOOM is a compact, early blooming selection of seven-sons flower. The fragrant flowers appear in dense clusters from mid-summer into early fall, which lengthens the period of time the showy, pink calyces can be enjoyed. The multi-stemmed trunks have peeling bark which increases seasonal interest. Trees can reach up to 10′ tall with an equal spread. This plant is protected by patent number PP3076