Heptacodium
Discover Heptacodium at Proven Winners®! This unusual and striking shrub flowers in late summer with white flowers that later turn into bright pink bracts. A unique plant that adds colour and atmosphere well into autumn.
Heptacodium (seven sons tree) – late bloomer with ornamental value in all seasons
Heptacodium, also known as the seven sons tree in the Netherlands, is one of those plants that really shines when many other shrubs have already finished flowering. From August onwards, clouds of fragrant white flowers appear, attracting bees and butterflies in droves. Once flowering is over, the fan-shaped fruit petals take over. These have a striking red-pink colour and give the impression of a second flowering, which often lasts well into autumn. The trunk of this shrub, which can also be pruned into a (multi-stemmed) tree, has a decorative flaking bark.
The Proven Winners® selection Temple of Bloom® adds something extra. This variety flowers earlier, remains more compact and the fruitlets have an intense red-pink colour. This gives you a single shrub or small tree that is an eye-catcher for up to four seasons.
An elegant structural plant
Heptacodium is originally a deciduous shrub or small tree from China. Temple of Bloom® eventually reaches a height of about 2 metres and grows to a width of 1.5 metres. The curled dark green leaves add a fresh accent to the summer months, while the flowers and red-pink sepals provide late summer and autumn colour. Even in winter, the tree remains interesting thanks to its gracefully flaking bark.
Location and care
Heptacodium likes a sunny to lightly shaded spot and well-drained soil. The more sun it gets, the more exuberant the flowering and the more intense the colour of the fruit petals. The plant is also very drought tolerant. Only young plants need a little extra water during dry summers, but once well established, the shrub is surprisingly strong and low-maintenance. Light pruning in early spring helps to maintain its shape and rejuvenate older branches.
Use in the garden
Heptacodium is at its best as a solitary plant, for example in a border or on a lawn, where it has plenty of space to shine. It is also a natural eye-catcher in larger gardens or parks.
FAQ
When does Heptacodium flower?
Heptacodium flowers in August and September. After flowering, the plant provides a second decorative moment when the red fruit leaves appear.
How big does Temple of Bloom® grow?
This Proven Winners® selection grows to approximately 2 metres high and 1.5 metres wide, making it suitable for medium-sized gardens.
Is Heptacodium hardy?
Yes, Temple of Bloom® is extremely hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to around -25 °C.
How do I care for Heptacodium?
The plant requires little maintenance. Give young specimens extra water during dry periods, add compost in the spring and prune lightly in early spring to keep the shrub compact and in shape.
What makes Heptacodium unique?
Heptacodium is a true four-season shrub. In spring, it sprouts attractive curled fresh green leaves, in summer it blooms profusely with white flowers, in autumn the red fruit leaves add extra colour, and in winter the decorative bark provides ornamental value.