Plant seven-son flower in early spring or early-to-mid fall, with the top of the root ball a little above the soil, and leave about 15 feet for the branches to spread.
Plant in early spring or early fall, with the root ball a little high
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Early spring, or early-to-mid fall while the soil is still warm | Do not plant into frozen ground or into midsummer heat |
| Hole | Twice as wide as the root ball and a little shallower | Do not dig a deep pit that holds water |
| Depth | Set the top of the root ball a little above grade | Do not bury the flare or sink the ball below the soil line |
| Spacing | About 15 feet from walls, fences, and other large shrubs | Do not park it against a foundation and expect room for the bark to show |
Seven-son flower moves well from a nursery pot when it is still young. Early spring gives the roots a season before heat. Early-to-mid fall works when the soil is still warm and the air is cooler. [1] Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and a little shallower, so the plant sits slightly high and water runs away from the stem. [2] Leave about 15 feet from a wall, a fence, or the next large shrub. A mature plant is 10 to 20 feet tall and often 10 to 15 feet wide, so a tight corner is the usual reason it looks cramped later. [3] [4] Water it in, then keep the soil moist through the first season. Mulch 2 to 3 inches deep, and keep the mulch a few inches off the stem so bark does not stay wet.
- Pick early spring, or early-to-mid fall while the soil is workable. Do not plant into frozen ground or into midsummer heat.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and a little shallower than the ball is tall.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball sits a little above the surrounding soil. Do not bury the flare.
- Backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly. Space plants about 15 feet apart, and keep mulch off the stem.
When should I plant seven-son flower?
Plant in early spring, or in early-to-mid fall while the soil is still warm. Skip frozen ground and midsummer heat.
How far apart do I plant seven-son flower?
Leave about 15 feet from walls, fences, and other large shrubs so the branches and bark have room.
If a new plant yellows, the hole is holding water or the ball was buried. Reset it a little high in a hole that drains, and water it through the first season.
FAQ
Can I plant it in summer if that is when I bought it?
Keep it in the nursery pot, in light shade, and water it until early fall. A summer plant-out in heat is the usual reason a new plant stalls.
How do I water it after it is in the ground?
Keep the soil moist through the first year, then soak it in a long dry spell. That calendar is on How to Grow Seven Son Flower.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Garden Design -
https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/heptacodium.html - [2] NC State Extension -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/heptacodium-miconioides/ - [3] University of Arkansas Extension -
https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/sevenson-9-21-07.aspx - [4] Royal Horticultural Society -
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/75426/heptacodium-miconioides/details
This note is part of Heptacodium Guides.
More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors