Heptacodium, from the Caprifoliaceae family, is a recently discovered plant, not yet widespread in European gardens. The variety miconioides is very hardy. Its dark green evergreen leaves, shiny on the upper side, are teamed with abundant creamy-white fragrant blossom in August and September. The flowers turn bright red in autumn, when it sheds its bark with a very decorative effect. Heptacodium can be grown as a specimen or associated with other plants in beds or informal hedges.