Heptacodium miconioides |
Syn. Heptacodium jasminoides
Native Region: China
Zone Range: 5b-9
Preferred Climate: Full sun to semi shade; well draining average soils; adaptable
Harvest Date: Monday 31 December, 2012
Seed count: 20-25
Description:
Years ago I planted one as a late summer nectar source for the bees, but discovered that this species deserves a lot more respect than I first gave it. White jasmine scented blooms hang in clusters followed by more colour in its bright pink sepals which gives the illusion of continuing bloom. Growing to 6 metres tall with a 4 metre spread. Multistemmed 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 if 7 flowers.
Notes:
Considered extinct in the wild. Introduced to North America via Arnold Arboretum in the 1980's.
Cultivation:
Fresh seed. Never has been dried just cleaned and sorted then stored in moist coir. All our seed germinated during cold stratification...not one has sprouted during any warm stratification cycle. We're still learning, but it seems that the seed does benefit from a brief warm/cold stratification cycle. According to Dirr: 5 months warm strat @ 70F ; then 3 months cold strat @ 39F; then sow @ 70F.
Cut tests show that seed can contain 2 embyros.
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