In the fall, there are just simply fewer landscape plants that offer great appeal. Sure, goldenrod, asters, plumbago, turtlehead, sedums and mums should be a part of just about any landscape, but the ratio of spring and summer bloomers is probably about 3:1 or even more. For that reason, let’s highlight one more fall appealing plant – the Seven Sons tree/flower/shrub. The slashes are included here because depending on who you talk to, there might be a slightly different term used.
Actually, this plant is gaining in popularity because it has 4 season appeal – cool flaky bark in winter, green leaves in spring, white slightly fragrant flowers in mid to late summer and mauve flower covers – calyces – in fall. At this point in the season, the Seven Sons tree/shrub is one of just a few that stands out in the landscape. Rose of Sharon, pagoda dogwood and burning bush euonymous are a couple of others.
In addition to the 4 season appeal feature, this plant has the capacity to be grown as either a shrub or a small tree. This adds a good option for the gardener, as some open spaces or “landscape holes” are bigger than others, it makes a great front yard tree for small lots and a good backdrop in the flower border. Finally, Seven Sons doesn’t have too many pests other than occasional chewing insects and canker diseases that are common on other similarly sized plants.
