The tree pictured above is Heptacodium miconioides. Never heard of it? Nor had I until a week ago. In the front garden of the cottage is a gorgeous small tree, half hidden behind other greenery. I’ve been admiring it all summer, mainly through the bathroom window, with its elegant down-curved leaves and its late summer dressing of tiny white flowers, leaving behind cherry coloured calyxes when they fall.
So with Debbie and I left scratching our heads as to its identity, I took a piece to college, certain that it would be something quite common, but even our tutor, the redoubtable Harry Delaney was stumped. One student recognised it from Wollerton Old Hall and identified it when she got home, confirmed by Harry the next day.
So, Heptacodium miconioides it is – a monospecific genus from mountainous parts of China. It was only brought into the UK in the 1980’s apparently. You can get hold of it in the UK, but it’s very uncommon. I’ll have a go at propagating it next year – It’s a lovely thing, hardy and apparently trouble-free so I really see no reason why it shouldn’t be much more widely grown.
2 Responses to “Heptacodium miconioides.”
I have been looking for something small and ornamental. I didnt want a shrub or a large tree so this might be the ticket. I will see what else I can find out about it. I love unusal plants.
Thanks
Hi Helen,
In case it isn’t obvious from the pictures, I’d say our plant is about 12ft tall now and I would guess it’s about 10 years old. So it is small for a tree, but not ‘small’ if you get my drift!