One of the most interesting plants in our display garden by Somerset Road is Seven Son Flower, Heptacodium micronoides. Introduced in 1980 from China, this small tree hasn’t been in cultivation for long, but is deserving of more attention. Michael Dirr, the Woody plant guru, extols its virtues in his Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. And I say, what’s good enough for Dirr is good enough for me!
This plant takes on the habit of a small upright tree, reaching 20 or more feet in height. You wouldn’t be totally amiss to confuse it with a Crape Myrtle. But in my mind it makes a nicer specimen. The dark green ovate foliage looks beautiful during the growing season. Then, in August the entire tree is covered in panicles of small, fragrant white flowers. As the flowers fade, the pink sepals at the base of the flowers become the star. They persist for two or three weeks, often into October. When the frost causes the leaves to fall, there is still more to see. The branching structure is irregular and beautiful, especially highlighted by exfoliating bark. The white outer bark peels away contrasting beautifully with a darker bark beneath.
Planted in moist, but well drained, slightly acid soil, this plant will reward you for years to come. If you would like to see a specimen as planted, we would be happy to show you ours, thriving along Somerset Road.