The Hypericum shrub, which is also called St. John’s Wort has a global distribution and in some areas it is considered to be an invasive weed and its eradication from arable land is constantly pursued, but the sunshine yellow flowers of the Hypericum perforatum makes this delightful shrub a favorite in gardens around the globe. There are up to 400 different species of Hypericum. To help identify Hypericum perforatum from the other species it is often called Common St.John’s Wort.
Most Popular Hypericums
- Hypericum perforatum is a robust shrub which produces a spectacular display of yellow flowers all summer long and even brightens the first days of autumn with its endless profusion. The flowers are bright yellow with orange tinged stamens in the center. Each flower has five petals with tiny black dots and during the flowering period the flowers are surrounded by new yellow buds waiting to burst open giving the whole plant a sheer profusion of brightness. The leaves are evergreen and as perforatum is a Latin word for perforated the leaves of this plant are perforated with little, almost clear dots containing oil. These can be seen when a leaf is held up to the light.
- Hypericum Hidcote is more suitable for smaller gardens and rockeries. It is a small, bushy, semi-evergreen shrub with similar flowers to its larger cousin. Its leaves are dark green and in the autumn it bears a small red fruit. It begins to bloom in late spring bringing a welcome flush of color to drive away the gray skies of winter.
- Hypericum calycinum also called Creeping St.John’s Wort is a creeping plant with masses of yellow flowers from early spring. These flowers are different from the Hypericum shrubs in that the stamens are much more plentiful and bushy. This plant should be used in an area where it can be contained.
Where to Grow Hypericum
- Hypericum will grow in semi-shade but prefer full sun.
- Temperatures found in U.S zones 6, 7 and 8 are ideal but these woody shrubs are survivors and will do well in many different areas. In colder zones they may experience leaf drop during the winter months.
- Hypericums are not fussy about soil type but they do best in a slightly acidic soil, pH 5 – 7 is ideal.
- Well drained, dry conditions are preferred but they will also flourish in moist soils with good drainage.
- Hypericums never seem to be bothered about the planting aspect, N. S. E. and West are all tolerated.
- Hypericum shrubs will grow to about 4ft. and care should be taken when planting as these shrubs live for a very long time.
Hypericum tolerates the most basic knowledge of pruning from mild to severe and yet it just keeps on surviving. These plants benefit from a formal pruning in early spring, the result being more flowers. There is no exact method of pruning a Hypericum – decide on the required size and cut to match. Hypericum calycinum should be cut down to the earth each year and let it start again.
Propagating a Hypericum
Increasing the stock can be done by taking cuttings or by planting seeds.
These delightful shrubs are easy to grow and are very low maintenance. Once established they just flourish and delight with their profusion of yellow all summer long and can be used: in borders, as hedging, as a focal shrub - planted at the end of a long pathway or as ground cover for any difficult areas. All Hypericums bloom endlessly.
Laurence O'Sullivan - Larry O'Sullivan, Irish short story and freelance Article writer now living in Thailand. I am Irish, 55 years old and am now living in ...
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