Tianshan® Seven - Son Flower

Heptacodium miconioides 'Minhep'

First Editions®

Late-Summer Fragrant Blooms in Whorls of Seven White Flowers Attract Pollinators
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 8-12 ft Tall, 5-7 ft Wide
Showy White Blooms From Late Summer to Late Fall
Stunning Yellow With Showy Red Bracts Fall Foliage

$87⁴¹

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for the best flower production and most vibrant fall color. While it can handle partial shade, you will see fewer blooms and the unique peeling bark may not be as prominent.
Soil: This plant prefers moist, well drained soil but is adaptable to various types. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in organic compost at planting time to improve drainage and prevent the roots from staying too wet.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your plant deeply two times a week to help the roots establish in their new home. Once mature, it is quite drought tolerant, but providing extra water during dry spells keeps the foliage looking lush and prevents stress. Inconsistent moisture during the heat of summer can lead to smaller flower clusters and scorched leaf edges.

Pruning Tips

Since this shrub blooms on new wood, the best time for a structural haircut is late winter or early spring before the leaves appear. Focus on removing any dead wood and thinning out the center to highlight the tan, peeling bark on the main stems. Pruning at this time ensures you are not cutting off the flower buds that will develop later in the season.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as you see the first signs of green growth. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers after July because this stimulates tender new growth that might be damaged by early autumn frosts. A single spring application provides enough energy for the plant to produce its signature late summer flowers and colorful bracts.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Fragrant, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Fall Color/Interest, Attracts pollinators, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	8-12 ft
Width	5-7 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Spreading, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	White
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Heptacodium miconioides 'Minhep'
Species	miconioides
Cultivar	Minhep
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

This large flowering shrub truly is a rare find. While not many gardeners know about this brilliant deciduous shrub, we'll let you in on the secret: the First Editions® Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides 'Minhep') is spectacular.

How did this fantastic plant earn its name? The Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower covers itself with white blooms in the summer. It sprouts with a sea of whorls. Its buds unfurl to perfectly white blossoms. Each whorl contains about seven buds that will form seven delightful flowers. These flowers are reminiscent of Honeysuckle and Crape Myrtle flowers with their narrow white petals and protruding stamen.

If you want to keep the pollinators happy, this shrub will surely do that, too. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and more love this shrub's fragrant flowers!

It produces an extravagant show of fragrant blossoms and showy seedpods followed by its second act of the bright red flower calyces after the petals drop! These calyces turn bright red and are showy for weeks in the fall!

The blooms can last for weeks but the real show for the Tianshan® Seven-Son-Flower comes after the flowers drop off the plant. In early fall the plant produces inconspicuous fruits with a colorful calyx which turns bright red and that red display is a show-stopper for sure!

This peppy plant produces shiny green ovate leaves that are long and narrow. These attractive leaves will turn yellow in the fall for a lovely autumnal display!

The Tianshan Seven-Son Flower features a multi-stemmed, vase shape that can be trained into a tree or kept as a large-scale shrub. How often do you find a shrub that should be celebrated for its bark? Well, this is one of the few. This shrub offers winter interest as its light brown, papery bark sheds to reveal dark dense brown inner bark!

Landscape Application:

Growing into a narrow 5 to 7-foot wide large shrub or small tree, Seven-Son Flower becomes an impressive specimen or focal point, especially when its beauty is elevated onto a front yard berm or as the prominent 8 to 12-foot tall accent in a lawn planting. A rare plant in today's landscapes, Heptacodium is sure to turn heads when you plant one in your landscape!

Use groupings or rows as slim screening and border plants, creating pretty property division or seating area backdrops. Fence in your seating areas and garden nooks with these pretty late-season flowering plants. The slim profile and tolerance of some partial shade make it a great choice for an understory plant, or for mixed shrub borders.

Even if you don't have a landscape, the Tianshan® Seven Son Flower will work great in large planters and raised beds on balconies and back decks to act as pinpoint shade and privacy!

This unique species was discovered over one hundred years ago in China but was not cultivated until the 1980s when it was recollected. This rare variety is often only found at arboretums and universities. It's a member of the Honeysuckle family but looks quite distinct from its Honeysuckle cousins. You will notice that it does have a subtle Honeysuckle scent, though!

4 Seasons of Interest!
Sweetly Scented White Flowers
Pollinators & Hummingbirds Galore!
Showy, Long-lasting Red Flower Bracts Follow The Bloom
Backdrops, Specimens, Large Planters & Gorgeous Rare Plant Focal Points

#ProPlantTips for Care

The Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower is a rare wonder and very easy to grow! It does well in full sun or partial shade, It does its best when planted in moderately dry soil that drains well. Provide new plants with regular moisture until they are established. Mulch the roots to a 3-4 inch depth. Flowering on new wood, prune in the late winter or very early in the spring.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moderate Moisture Needs - Low Once Established
Any Well-Drained Soil
Prune In Late Winter/Very Early Spring
Easy to Grow, Widely Adaptable Small Tree or Larger Shrub

Be a trendsetter, a visionary, and a rebel with a First Editions® Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower. Your neighbors will all want to know what exactly it is, and you can decide if you want to share your best-kept garden secret or not. Order now at NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower suitable for?

Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower is hardy in USDA zones 5-8. This tough shrub tolerates both cold winters and hot summers well. Plant it in full sun to partial shade for best flowering performance.

What is the mature height and width of Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower at maturity?

Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower reaches 10-15 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide at maturity. This large shrub can be trained as a single-trunk tree or maintained as a multi-stemmed specimen. Shop at Nature Hills for this rare flowering beauty.

Does Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower grow well in full sun or partial shade?

Seven-Son Flower thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable shrub produces its most abundant flowering display when given at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For best blooms and fall color, plant in a sunny location with morning sun protection in hot climates.

What type of soil does Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower prefer, and does it need well-draining soil?

Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower adapts to most soil types but performs best in well-draining conditions. This hardy shrub tolerates various pH levels and soil conditions once established. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in heavy clay soils.

When is the best time to prune Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower?

Prune Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This timing preserves the spectacular fall display of bright red calyces and showy bark. Light pruning maintains its natural vase shape perfectly.

Is Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower deer resistant or tolerant of deer browsing?

Seven-Son Flower is generally deer resistant due to its fragrant foliage and flowers that deer typically avoid. The strong scent that attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies tends to deter browsing animals. Plant in areas where deer pressure is moderate to high for best results.

Can Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower be planted close to a house foundation without root damage?

Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower grows 5-7 feet wide with a multi-stemmed, vase-shaped form that's generally safe for foundation planting. Its non-aggressive root system won't typically damage foundations. Plant it at least 4-5 feet from your house to allow for mature spread and air circulation.

Does Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds?

Yes, Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower is excellent for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies with its fragrant white summer blooms. The honeysuckle-like flowers with protruding stamens provide abundant nectar. Plant it as a specimen to create a pollinator magnet in your landscape.

What is the warranty or guarantee if the Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower arrives damaged or dies?

Nature Hills backs all plants with their one-year guarantee against defects and shipping damage. If your Tianshan® Seven-Son Flower arrives damaged or fails to establish within the first year, they'll replace it. Contact customer service immediately with photos for fastest resolution.