Hypericum

Hypericum (Hypericum patulum henryi)
Hypericums [hi-PER-ick-umz] are colorful, useful plants, many of which are suitable for residential yards and gardens. Known also as St. John's wort they are valued for their long summer flowering and tolerance of substandard growing conditions. Henry St. John's-wort is a woody shrub that is evergreen or semi-evergreen in mild climates. Extremely sturdy, it is one of the most widely grown hypericums.

Size: Henry hypericum shrubs grow to about 2 feet by 2 feet after 5 years, to 3 feet by 3 feet after 10 years, and to 4 feet by 4 feet at maturity. They grow vigorously when young, sending up many upright stems which branch near their tips. Growth is rapid in the spring, slowing as the season progresses. As the shrubs age, their growth rate declines. In the warm deep South they will grow even more vigorously.

Foliage: Hypericum leaves are narrowly oval, from 1 to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. A clear medium green occasionally tinged with red, they grow opposite each other along the stems. In the South they may persist well into the fall and through the winter providing some yellow or purple color. In cold northern regions the leaves drop in the late fall.

Flowers and Fruit: Hypericum flowers are bright yellow, spanning 2 1/2 to 3 inches across. They are an open cup-shape, with 5 broad petals surrounding a delicate cluster of stamens. Blooms appear in profusion at the tips of the stems in the early summer, often lasting well into autumn. They do not have any fragrance. Hypericum fruits are inconspicuous dry pods.

Hypericum Choices
`Sungold'is the hardiest of the Henry hypericums: `Hidcote' is considered by many to be the best for flowers. `Rowallane' is taller than average, grows to 6 feet.
For more information see file on Selecting Shrubs.