Seven-son flower tree

Dixie Sandborn<dixie@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - October 11, 2022

If you are looking for a tree that flowers in the late summer to early fall, attracts butterflies and has interesting bark, look no further: the seven-son flower is an excellent addition to your landscape for a multitude of great qualities.

Flowers of the Seven-son flower tree. Photo by Dixie Sandborn.

If you are looking for a great specimen tree (focal point in your landscape) that flowers in the late summer to early fall, attracts butterflies and has interesting bark, look no further. Heptacodim miconiodes, the seven-son flower, is an excellent addition to your landscape for a multitude of great qualities.

The seven-son flower tree is a four-season tree. It has visual interest year-round, grows in average, well-drained soil, but will tolerate a wide range of soil types. Seven-son flower will thrive in full sun to part shade and has no serious insect or disease problems.

Flowers and bark of the Seven-son flower tree. Photo by Dixie Sandborn.

Here are some quick facts about the seven-son flower tree:

The genus name Heptacodium comes from the Greek and means “seven heads,” in reference to the typical seven-part flower clusters that make up the inflorescence
Seven-son flower is the sole member of its genus
As a member of the Caprifoliaceae family, it is a cousin to the Honeysuckle
Botanically classified as a deciduous shrub, it can also be grown as a single stem tree
The seven-son flower is native to China
Seven-son flower is hardy in zones 5-9
The height is 15-20 feet with a spread of 8-10 feet
The leaves are glossy and simple ranging from 3-6 inches long
Showy, white fragrant flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds in September
After the petals drop, the sepals turn a brilliant rosy-pink color. This makes the plant appear to flower a second time. The bright sepals can be showier than the original white flowers.
The bark is light tan and exfoliates into long strips exposing the lighter tan inner bark
The fruit of the seven-son flower has no ornamental importance
This tree tolerates many soil conditions, but prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic
It grows best in full sun to partial shade
Seven-son flower is a moderate to fast growing tree
This tree also looks great as a specimen tree in a naturalized area

Julie Kronewitter from Horrocks Garden Center in Ionia, MI had this to say about the seven-son flower:

“Seven sons flower is a very unique specimen tree that has year-round interest while exfoliating and sometimes twisted bark and blooms when there are not a lot of trees blooming. When the beautiful white flowers drop off, the stems of the flowers turn a brilliant red and appear to be reblooming. This is an exceptional tree to add to your landscape.”

For other gardening tips and plant tips and tricks, visit Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Smart Gardening pages. Here you can find a plethora of articles to enhance your gardens and gardening experience.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).