Enhancing your yard with nectar-rich flowers is an excellent strategy to lure more pollinators. If your garden designed for hummingbirds isn’t yielding the desired results, consider planting the seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides). Originally hailing from China, this plant is an ideal addition to a hummingbird garden, best planted in early spring. Contrary to its name, this plant is a sizable, multi-stemmed shrub that reaches a mature height of 15 to 25 feet. Though rare in the wild, the seven-son flower has been cultivated in the U.S. since the Arnold Arboretum began propagating it in 1980. It thrives in U.S. hardiness zones 5 through 9.
For those looking to start a pollinator garden, prioritizing plants that attract a diverse range of pollinators is crucial. The white, fragrant flowers of this shrub provide essential nectar for hummingbirds and monarch butterflies, particularly in the fall. Its year-round changing appearance and adaptability to different yard sizes make it suitable for both urban and rural settings. With consistent pruning, this adaptable shrub can be shaped into a small tree with single or multiple trunks, making it an excellent choice for patios to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies closer to your home.
Plant in spring for late-blooming magic
Timing is crucial for successfully growing a seven-son flower in your yard. Planting too late may not give the shrub enough time to establish roots before summer. Aim to transplant by early spring to avoid the heat, or wait until fall for cooler temperatures. Ideally, select a location with moist, acidic soil, though this moderately fast-growing shrub can also tolerate dry or alkaline conditions. To achieve optimal blooms for attracting hummingbirds, plant it in partial to full sun, avoiding excessive shade.
Proper planning for your hummingbird garden can yield great rewards. By early summer, buds will start forming on the branches. The seven-son flower blooms from late August to mid-September, showcasing tiny white flowers in clusters, with a seventh flower emerging from the center. After flowering, the outer part transforms into a stunning rose-purple hue lasting through late fall. In winter, the tree’s bark becomes a focal point. As the grayish-tan outer bark peels away, it reveals multicolored, lighter patches, adding vibrant color to your yard during the dreary winter months.
