Heptacodium miconioides 'Minhep'
shrub RHS Award

Temple of Bloom Seven-Son Flower

Heptacodium miconioides 'Minhep'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Heptacodium miconioides, or Seven-Son Flower, is a large, fountain-shaped shrub or small tree celebrated for its four seasons of interest, including fragrant late-season flowers, showy fall calyces, and exfoliating winter bark. Temple of Bloom ('Minhep') is a superior selection with a more compact, tidy habit. It blooms earlier than the species, ensuring even northern gardeners can enjoy its brilliant red calyces before the first frost.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides exceptional year-round interest. Fragrant white flowers appear in late summer, followed by stunning cherry-red calyces in fall. In winter, the peeling, tan-colored bark becomes a beautiful focal point in the landscape.
Practical UsesIts tough, adaptable nature makes it a reliable choice for a variety of landscape situations. It can be used as a large specimen shrub, a small multi-stemmed tree, or as part of a privacy screen.
Ecological BenefitsThe late-season flowers are a critical food source for bees and butterflies preparing for winter. Birds are attracted to the seeds and the shelter provided by its dense branching.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil
  2. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball
  3. Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level
  4. Backfill with the original soil and water deeply
  5. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
  6. Mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk

Pro Tip

Prune to a single stem when young to create a small tree form that best showcases the beautiful, exfoliating bark in winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide supplemental water during extended periods of drought
  • Prune in late winter to maintain desired shape and size
  • Appreciate its four-season interest, from flowers to bark
  • Allow it enough space to reach its mature size

Don't

  • Don't plant in soggy, poorly drained locations
  • Avoid excessive fertilization, which is generally unnecessary
  • Don't shear into a formal hedge; it ruins the natural graceful form
  • Don't prune after early spring, or you may remove flower buds

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning four-season specimen plantAnchor for a mixed shrub borderFragrant accent near a patio or walkway

Companion Plants

Fothergilla gardenii Caryopteris x clandonensis Aster 'Raydon's Favorite' Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet'

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.

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