Heptacodium  miconioides 'Temple of Bloom'
shrub

Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower

Heptacodium miconioides 'Temple of Bloom'

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, fountain-shaped deciduous shrub or small tree offering true four-season interest with fragrant summer flowers, showy fall calyces, and exfoliating winter bark.

'Temple of Bloom' is a superior selection that is more compact, begins flowering at a younger age, and produces showy, cherry-red calyces that persist long after the white flowers fade.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThis plant is a true four-season star. It offers fragrant white flowers in late summer, brilliant cherry-red calyces in fall, and handsome tan exfoliating bark that provides fantastic winter texture and interest.
Practical UsesIts tough, adaptable nature and resistance to pests and diseases make it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. It can be trained as a large shrub for screening or a small tree for patios and urban gardens.
Ecological BenefitsThe late-season flowers are a magnet for pollinators, providing a vital nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds when few other plants are in bloom.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Average

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Early fall

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a location with at least six hours of sun.
  2. Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend if necessary.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
  4. Set the plant in the hole at its original growing depth.
  5. Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water well.
  6. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Prune in late winter to remove lower branches, training it into an elegant multi-stemmed small tree to best showcase the exfoliating bark.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during the first growing season to establish.
  • Prune to maintain desired shape and size in late winter.
  • Provide full sun for the best flowering and calyx color.
  • Appreciate its four seasons of interest.

Don't

  • Don't plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soil.
  • Avoid heavy pruning in summer, as it flowers on new wood.
  • Don't worry about serious pests or diseases; it's very resilient.
  • Don't hide it in the back; it deserves a prominent spot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning four-season specimen plantFragrant accent near a patio or walkwayAnchor for a mixed shrub border

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower questions

What zones can Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower grow in?

Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower deer resistant?

Yes — Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower bloom?

Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower need full sun?

Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.