whaas; Of those you've listed I only have the Heptacodium(seven son). In fact I have 5. Three are mere babies, 2-4', and the fourth one is probably just shy of or at 10'. I'm growing all as trees with 2-3 main trunks. Of all my plants (hydrangeas, sumacs, viburnums, wiegelas, kalmia, pieris, and more)this is by far my favorite and if I ever had to move they would go with me.

Mine are planted in sandy loam that is very slightly acidic (almost neutral), receive almost ALL day sun, get NO wind protection to speak of and are watered fairly often. The only reason I water fairly often is because I have lots of hosta planted amongst my shrubs in full sun. Then there are the white flowers, very prolific and a sweet light fragrance. Plus the bonus of the calyxes. Some call them red, I think their more of a watermelon color. My bees and butterflies love it.

My 10' one was planted last year at 6' of height. It had two main trunks that were about the size of a broom stick, 12 months later they are now about the size of the thick part of a baseball bat. Even at the small broom stick size the peeling bark was really interesting and looked good in the winter. (side note... all four had over 8' of snow on them all last winter). They grow rather quickly and so far appear to be my most care free plant I have.

Sorry I can't give any info on the others you are looking at. Though I would also be interested in hearing about the Katsura as that is one I am also interested in.

Alexis

I'm glad you posted on the Seven Son Flower tree.

I've heard a few negative commments, but mostly positive. The nursery I went to had an amazing mature speciman, was about 25'x18'. It was in flower and just look fantastic from far away and up close, the bark was so cool. Its like the Hydrangea of trees! White flowers late summer/early fall, then those watermelon colored calyxes.

Unfortunately the nursery was out of the Seven Son Flower and the Yellowwood.

I was able to get my (2) multi-stem Katsuras and got a single stem Musclewood in lieu of the Yellowwood.

I still have quite a "most wanted" tree list...but I am out of room! Next year I will have room for a 10' x 8' tree...I wonder if I could contain the Padoga Dogwood, White Fringe Tree or Seven Son Flower to that size?...wishful thinking I guess, probably will end up with a Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum.

My Most Wanted List:
Cornus Mas Golden Glory
Yellowwood
Red horsechestnut
White fringe
Seven Son Flower
Carolina Silverbell
White Fringe Tree
Padoga Dogwood

Hello Whaas,
I have a 5 yo Katsura which I like very much, but it seems to need some pampering - it has a shallow root system & requires alot of moisture, & I believe it prefers alittle shade during the day.
Mine is in part shade in very rich moist slight acid dirt, & I have to really watch it during dry times, otherwise the inner leaves will turn yellow overnight & drop. It's the only established thing in the yard I need to watch. Needs alot more water than a birch.
The wood isn't very strong when it's young so avoid windy spots. It originally was 3 stemmed, maybe 9'H when I planted it. During it's 1st summer 1 stem easily snapped off in a storm, & the 2nd stem 'somehow' broke when my teenagers had friends over for a bonfire. I now have a short fence around it & it sent up a new stem which grows fast (now 4'), but another stem it sent-up broke & during high winds I get nervous watching this new stem blow around. The branches are strong - never broken - it's just the young stems that are delicate.
Someone told me (I think the nursery that sold it) it's important to keep mulch up to the dripline - not grass - and don't have any foot traffic in the root zone.
Hope this helps!

Definitely does...

I know I'm going to have to supply ample moisture, but its location is going to remain moist anyhow and will not have any foot traffic except for me when its time to water, mulch or prune.

I haven't heard issues with breakage...I guess that makes sense with any young tree with tight crotch angles.

Full exposure to sun...its fairly subject as long as you provide ample moisture...but have heard that it will thrive with light afternoon shade.

Have you seen the Katsuras at the Chicago Botanical Gardens? They are quite amaizing, and for the most part planted out in the open.

The Katuras I purchased are multi-stemmed and quite bushy looking. I will keep them like that for about 5 years, before I slowing limb them up. They are only 6 footers right now. I'm going to keep my native Hawthrons In front of them for now...once the katsuras begin to take off, I'll cut the hawthorns down (huge 2" thorns and rust everywhere is a pain). By that time they should be more willing to except full sun and be less moisture dependent.

I ended up cancelling the Musclewood and went with a Seven Son Flower...I really wanted a tree that flowers.

They have to dig it from the field so I might have to wait till spring. 6' multi-stem should look great in no time.

Whaas,

So glad you got your Katuras, and ordered a Seven Son. Like I mentioned earlier I planted my "big" one, 6' 3 trunk, last year, late spring. One year later it is 10', maybe a little more. Right now it is covered in white flowers and wildlife. Good luck with all your babies.

Alexis

As to size, Cornus mas stays rather small in my experience. I have had one for a number of years and it still is less than 10 feet with less spread (it grows more upright than a regular Cornus florida. Note in my experience if you want fruit, you will need two trees.

Not sure if anyone still checks this conversation, but I have a seven sons flower. I purchased it from a local nursery as a small 2-3ft multi stemmed bush last August for $25. It grew some instantly in my yard to just over 3ft. This year it's already up to 4. It's definitely a fast grower, although I have it in a great spot with most soil and full sun.

I can understand why people are surprised to see it grow so much. I've trimmed it back to 3 main trunks and I'm excited for august when it starts to bloom. I'd definitely reccommend it. It's completely hardy here in Des Moines zn 5. I've tried several flowering trees here that were borderline 5/6 and haven't had any luck except for this guy who is suppose to be fine clear up into Canada...eh?

If there were any drawbacks I'd say it'd be nice to have some fall color, but with all the maples and oaks here it's hardly necessary and it does hold it's leaves fairly late.

Mine had alot of dieback so there is only top growth on the very top of the plant....although I like the bark it looks a little funny.

To be fair, its only in its second season.

The Katsuras on the otherhand are doing much better.