Heptacodium miconioides seeds (Seven Sons Flower)

Description

Years ago I planted one as a late summer nectar source for pollinators only to learn later that this is rare species introduced to the world just recently courtesy of a 1980 Sino-American Botanical Expedition.  White jasmine scented blooms hang in clusters followed by more colour in its bright pink sepals which gives the illusion of continuing bloom. Multi-stemmed from the base, the pale creamy tan bark exfoliates in long strips. Seems to be disease and pest free. Fast growing and flowers at a young age. Tolerant of many soil types and sun exposure. Drought tolerant when established. Aptly named as the flowers are clusters of whorls where each whorl consists of 7 flowers.  Also known as Heptacodium jasminoides.

This is an excellent read from the Arnold Arboretum in the introduction, growing and propagation of this rare species includes plantings at UBC Botanical Garden.  http://arnoldia.arboretum.harvard.edu/pdf/issues/1986-46-4-Arnoldia.pdf

• Seed Count: 12-15
• Collection Date:  October 2026
• Hardiness Zone: 5b-9
• Height and Width: 6m x 4m
• Germination test type: cut, hand sort
• Family:  Caprifoliaceae

How to germinate Heptacodium miconioides seeds:

We now store our seed dry as those kept in cold stratification germinated during refrigeration after a few months after collection.  We recommend soaking seed for 12-24 hours then proceed with cold stratification for 2 months then give warm stratification (20C). Prick out and transplant as they germinate.  We’re still learning and will continue with our germination trials. Information gleaned from Dirr, he suggests: 5 months warm strat @ 70F ; then 3 months cold strat @ 39F; then sow @ 70F. Cut tests show that seed sometimes hosts 2 embyros.