As summer draws to a close
and the days grow shorter, September brings a plethora of
flower color to the garden.
Herbaceous perennials like aster, chrysanthemum, sedum,
goldenrod, Japanese anemone, and many ornamental grasses
dominate the garden and provide the most flowering. After
late summer in New England, only a handful of woody plants
continue to bloom, including roses, hibiscus, hydrangea
and sumac that are finishing their bloom periods.
Among the very few winter-hardy trees and shrubs that start
their bloom after August are the native witch-hazel (Hamamelis
virginiana), the Franklin tree (Franklinia alatamaha) and
sweet autumn clematis (Clematis paniculata). None of these,
however, have proved as reliable and spectacular as the
seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides). Because it is
so underutilized in the landscape and exhibits such attractive
features every season of the year, it was recognized in
2002 as a Cary Award winner (go to www.CaryAward.com).
Originally brought to the United States as a herbarium specimen
in the early 1900s by Ernest Wilson at the Arnold Arboretum,
Heptacodium remained obscure until 1980, when a Sino-American
Botanical Expedition provided seeds and the opportunity
to introduce living plants to North America.
A member of the honeysuckle family, its scientific name
combines the Greek terms "hepta" (seven) and "codium"
(poppyhead), and when translated from the Chinese name becomes
"seven-son flower from Zhejiang." There is concern
that it may now be extinct in its original Chinese habitat.
Heptacodium is generally offered for sale as a multi-stem
shrub, and it can be trained to grow as a single trunk or
low-branched tree, well suited for small spaces. Ultimately
reaching about 20 feet, it can grow as much as 3 feet in
a single year, and its angular branches are readily pruned
to shape when young. Its shiny, downward-pointing, heart-shaped
curved leaves emerge early in spring (by late April in Hopkinton),
becoming dark green and remaining pest-free all spring and
summer. Autumn foliage is yellow-green with silvery undersides,
holding into November.
It thrives in full sun or light shade in New England soils
without much care, even in dry conditions, once established.
In Hopkinton, the fragrant creamy-white flowers open progressively
in early September in groups of seven, clustered at the
ends of the current year's growth, and persist for two weeks
or more, attracting butterflies and bees. As the flower
petals drop, a unique display of red-purple begins, as the
bases of the flowers (calyces) expand to surround the developing
seeds. This color is the most spectacular feature of this
plant (particularly when back-lit by the sun), easily surpassing
the beauty of the flowers and intensifying for many weeks,
until the fruit matures or frost ends the season.
During winter, the exfoliating papery, whitish, ginger-
and grey-colored bark shreds attractively in narrow strips
from the stems and trunk, exposing the smooth, blond-tan
color beneath. This feature alone qualifies Heptacodium
as one of the most attractive choices for the winter garden.
Sited against a background of dark green or blue conifers,
or alone in the center of the garden surrounded by snow,
it draws every eye.
Based upon at least 20 years of experience, experts consider
Heptacodium to be perfectly winter hardy in Zone 5, showing
no dieback or stem damage from cold temperatures or wind
exposure.
The market availability of seven-son flower plants has increased
significantly in recent years, and even large plants are
readily available at many garden centers. Horticulturists
who appreciate the value plants like this afford are excited
about offering it to their clients. But, as with many newer
plants coming to the market, consumers tend to be skeptical
about unfamiliar products, and this is a perfect example.
This autumn, take advantage of this opportunity and choose
a spot for Heptacodium in your yard - you'll be rewarded
with many years of all-season enjoyment.
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