Enjoyed Dennis Patton's article in KC Star's Grow section! I have this tree and totally agree with all that was written. Right now my 'tree' looks more like a bush. Currently it is about 5' tall. When is the best time to trim the lower branches and can I try to propagate using these cuttings?
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Seven Son's Tree
Here is a really fine article on the Seven Son's Tree by the Arnold Arboretum, who introduced this plant to the USA in the 1980's. I thought you might find it interesting.
Carole
Johnson County Extension Master Gardener
Seven Son's Tree
Thank you for the nice comments about the article I wrote on this underused tree. We have one in the demonstration garden at our office and it has been beautiful for the last couple of weeks with the pure white flowers.
Next will come the pink bracts to add more interest in the fall. And of course the peeling bark is wonderful also.
Carole provided very good information about the pruning time and cuttings. I hope more people make a trip to the garden center and add this small tree to the landscape.
I planted one just a couple weeks ago for my parents as part of a landscape makeover in Caldwell, Kansas. My mom is now enjoying the flowers.
Dennis - Johnson County Extension
Seven Sons Tree
Thank you for the comments. I'll wait until spring to trim the lower branches. My tree is just now showing the pink bracts. At times, the leaves droop and I wonder if something is wrong with it. It can't need water as the ground is wet. This tree/bush is definitely one that more gardeners need to plant!
Seven Sons leaves drooping
Is it too wet? Describe the planting site. How is the drainage? What does the base of the plant look like?
Thanks,
Carole
Johnson County Extension Master Gardener
Heptacodium pruning and propagation
Heptacodium miconiodes should be pruned in the spring. At that time you can root softwood cuttings. The plant also suckers, which can be separated for propagation, and seeds can be used also. Here is a good summary from Fine Gardening Magazine on the Seven Sons Tree.
Hope this answers your questions.
Carole
Johnson County Extension Master Gardener