Heptacodium miconioides Tianshan ('Minhep'PBR)

RHS Plant Profile
seven son flower tree [Tianshan]

Synonyms

Heptacodium miconioides 'Minhep'PBR

Shrubs

A bushy, upright shrub, more compact than typical Heptacodium. Fragrant, jasmine-like, creamy-white flowers in late summer are followed by persistent calyxes, which swell and turn red, lasting until October. The decorative bark peels off in yellowish-brown flakes. The bark can be a highlighted if lower branches are pruned.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Severe discomfort possible from ingestion
Genus
Heptacodium are deciduous shrubs with simple, prominently 3-veined leaves and small, fragrant creamy-white flowers in panicles in late summer and autumn, followed by colourful, persistent sepals
Name Status
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sheltered spot with moist but well-drained or well-drained soil in full sun. Will tolerate most soil types and some shade.

Propagation

Propagate by seed - sow seeds under glass as soon as ripe. Take softwood cutting in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in mid-summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1. Pruning of lower branches to resemble a small tree to make a feature decorative bark

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free