Oops! Forgot to search before posting - there are already a few informative threads on this.

So more specifically - I seem to be reading conflicting things about how well it does in part shade - anyone have experience with that?

Also - there seems to be quite a discussion of whether it should be pruned constantly or not at all (if I'm understanding correctly). Opnions? I don't want tsomething where I have to hire someone every single summer. - It looks like it grows fast but tops out around 20'? Much taller would be too big for my property. Looks like it spreads out.

Any trouble gardening under it?
Thanks

Here is a link that might be useful: Trees Forum thread

I've only had mine for 1 year and I really like this little tree...I too stumbled upon it here and then at a bontanic garden.

I can't tell you how finiky the tree is or how long it lives for and if its one of those trees that declines in glory as it ages.

This is probably my most favorite tree/shrub on my place. I have five all together. The first one I planted 3 years ago at about the 6-7 foot range, it was almost 12 feet as of last year. I've read smaller plants adjust to transplanting better, but I'll tell ya this one never missed a beat.

I'm growing this one as a tree with 3 main trunks, although I'm considering making it two instead. I don't feed it, just water. I only prune crossing branches (once I think) and and any new sprouts that come up from the ground in the spring, and those I just quickly rub off. Usually only two or three anyway. No bugs, no winter burn, no dropping branches. Just plant it and forget it.

Under mine I have planted hosta, iberis, and ajuga, no problem with roots. I think they may go down instead of out. I transplanted a four foot one last year and was quite surprised out deep the roots were.

Let us know what you decide. :)

Hmm...I reading about many reports on canker.

Here is one note from U of Arkansas:
"canker is limiting use in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states. In exposed situations, leaf tatter due to wind."

Didn't someone here mention something about large canes dieing off on their plant?

Ok, I've just about made up my mind to go ahead and try one from Bluestone perennials. Not too much of an investment and it sounds like it could be beautiful.

Anyone have any idea if it's poisonous to dogs or people? I have a toddler (who could always play in the other side of the yard and who has almost grown out of putting random things in his mouth), and eventually hope to adopt a dog again someday. But I don't have one now. Probably a poodle-mutt who don't typically have a tendency to gobble everything like labs, but good to know about my plants in advance.

Alexis, I just wanted to thank you again for your willingness (is that a word lol??) to trade with me in spring. I really like the way this plant looks and I can't wait to try it out. Also, I noticed on daves garden that it prefers soil on the acidic side, so if you have alkaline soil I'm not sure how it will do.

I planted a 2' Heptacodium in fall 2003 - it's now 12-14' high x 10' wide (multi-stemmed). Seems quite hardy and not fussy about soil, although I did have to water it through the first couple summers. As whaas mentioned, it may sometimes be susceptible to canker, and in fact my plant has lost a couple smaller branches but it doesn't appear to be too serious (could be more of a problem in higher heat & humidity areas).

In addition to its ornamental qualities, I really like Heptacodium for the bees, birds, and butterflies it attracts. Honeybees love it. I counted 7 cardinals in mine one day late last fall picking the seeds off.