Heptacodium miconioides ‘SMNHMRF’ (Temple of Bloom®)

Heptacodium miconioides is a large, fountain-shaped, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that typically grows 15-20′ at maturity with a 10′ spread. May also be trained as a single-trunk tree. Features terminal panicles of fragrant, creamy-white flowers in late summer to early fall. Flowers appear in typically seven-branched clusters.  Flowers are followed in fall by an equally showy (if not showier) display: small, purplish-red fruits (½” long drupes) crowned by very showy, rose-pink calyces which elongate after bloom and last into late fall. Tan bark exfoliates to reveal attractive brown inner bark, which provides good winter interest.  The elegant frame of H. Temple of Bloom™ is more compact and blooms earlier so the cherry-red calyxs show up sooner for a longer display before winter.  (Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Gardens Plant Finder)