About
A bushy, upright shrub, more compact than typical Heptacodium. The bark can be a highlighted if lower branches are pruned. The decorative bark peels off in yellowish-brown flakes. perfumed, jasmine-like, creamy-white flowers in late summer are followed by persistent calyxes, which swell and turn red, lasting until October.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
FragranceFlower
ToxicitySevere discomfort possible from ingestion
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sheltered spot with moist but well-drained or well-drained soil in full sun. Will tolerate most soil types and some shade.
PruningPruning group 1. Pruning of lower branches to resemble a small tree to make a feature decorative bark
PropagationPropagate by seed - sow seeds under glass as soon as ripe. Take softwood cutting in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in mid-summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free