Seven Son Flower Tree: A Botanical Treasure

A few years ago we wanted to add a flowering tree to our front yard. So many neighbors have flowering cherries and dogwoods that I thought it would be nice to find something a little bit different and later blooming. I reached out to my friends at Bower and Branch (where we got all our trees and the suggested the Seven Son Flower Tree as it offers something exciting in every season. Read on for more.

The History of the Seven Son Flower Tree

The Seven Son flower tree (Heptacodium miconioides) is native to China but it is now extremely rare in the wild. In 1907 it was first discovered by EH Wilson. It was completely forgotten but rediscovered by westerners in the 1980s. Seeds were brought back to the Arnold Arboretum (which isn’t too far from our home) and it is thought all trees we see now in the US were descendants of those seeds.

You can find them at higher and nurseries or via Bower and Branch online. I would say this tree is pretty rare in gardens around us. I’ve only seen it planted up at the high school.

Planting Seven Son

We planted our tree back in May of 2020. So it’s the pefect time to get one for your yard. We followed the instructions and gave it plant food and a good water and also used a watering bag.

When we first planted the tree it almost looked like a bush.

It has really grown in the last 6 years (and actually so has Conor for that matter!!!).

Why I LOVE the Seven Son Flower

There is something to enjoy in every season with this tree.

• In the spring lovely leaves begin forming.
• In August, beautiful white flowers bloom and they attract bees and butterflies. They are fragrant and beautiful. These blooms last into the fall.
• In the fall, the blooms die back and leave a vibrant pink bracts that looks like a flower.
• In the winter, the bark peels and makes the tree so visually interesting.
• It is so easy to care for and is tolerant to heat and cold.
• It attracts pollinators – hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Something Different for the Garden

I like that it’s so different. We get so many questions asking about it. No one has seen them. I like being different and this tree is unusual and uncommon but the best kept secret!

The white flowers almost smell like jasmine. They are so fragrant and so beautiful! It is so fun to watch all the nature it attracts.

More Information About the Seven Son Flower Tree

Are you thinking about adding this to your garden? Here’s some more information to determine if it could be a good fit:

Light Requirement: Part Sun to Sun
The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours)

Maintenance Category: Easy
Blooms On: New Wood
Bloom Time: Summer through Fall
Hardiness Zones: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Water Category: Average

It loves salt air!

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I hope you enjoyed reading about this garden treasure!

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