Seven Son Flower
heptacodium miconioides
Also known as: ["Seven Son Flower","Heptacodium"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree known for its fragrant white flowers and attractive exfoliating bark.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Heptacodium |
| Botanical Name: | Heptacodium miconioides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12 to 38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, immediately after flowering; light pruning can be done in late winter if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to sunlight gradually; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; monitor for sunburn signs.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure soil dries slightly between waterings, and avoid frequent shallow watering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy clay soil with organic matter; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–8; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 90°F; prefers cool winters and warm summers.
Protect from frost in early spring; avoid placing near heat sources in winter; ensure good air circulation in summer.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize before new growth emerges; avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn roots; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer; layering can also be successful.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is flexible and actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or coarse sand with some compost.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage bushier growth; removal of crossing or damaged stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or diseased wood; best done after flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape as desired; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during growing season; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress; wilting or leaf drop in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; buds may fail to open; growth may slow or stop in prolonged cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; move container plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below -10°F.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may slow in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; mist foliage during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use appropriate fertilizer; apply at correct dilution; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season at half strength; discontinue in late fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the seeds or berries of Heptacodium miconioides. The effects are typically not severe but warrant monitoring.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Heptacodium miconioides seeds and berries can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxicity is not life-threatening but may cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHeptacodium miconioides contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The toxic effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does the Seven Son Flower grow?
A: It typically grows to 10–15 feet tall.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: When does it bloom?
A: It blooms in late summer, typically August to September.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
