Small showy multi-stemmed tree or large shrub with panicles of sweetly fragrant whorled clusters of seven small white flowers in late summer when no other trees are in bloom. Bees love it. The flower sepals turn pink and persist, contrasting with the distinctive green foliage: long, pointed, curved and folded, hanging in clusters. Attractive exfoliating bark and horizontal branching.

In 1907 EH Wilson, plant-exploring in Hubei province of China, was the first westerner to note the tree. More than 70 years later seeds were finally brought to Boston, and Seven-son Flower is gaining popularity in the U.S. There’s an extremely nice specimen up on the terrace at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Massachusetts.

Full sun to partial shade. Slightly acid moist well-drained soil, but adapted to wet clay and dry conditions. Native to China, though it may no longer exist in the wild. Z4/5. (1–3' bare-root plants)