Hypericum patulum (28/09/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1m
Eventual Spread: 1m
Hardiness: 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Hypericaceae
Hypericum patulum is a semi-evergreen shrub with bushy habit. Its dark green leaves are lanceolate to ovate with entire margins, up to 6cm long and 3cm broad. Its leaves turn orange/ red in autumn and through the winter months. Its yellow flowers are bowl shaped, have five petals, prominent stamens and are up to 4cm across. Its fruit is a dark brown capsule and up to 1cm long.
Hypericum patulum Flower (28/09/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Hypericum patulum, commonly known as St John’s Wort, is native to China, Japan and the Himalayas region. In its native habitat it grows on open hillsides, open forests and thickets.
The etymological root of the binomial name Hypericum is derived from the Greek meaning ‘above pictures’, in reference to this plants use over shrines to repel evil spirits. Patulum is from the Latin meaning ‘wide open’.
The landscape architect may find Hypericum patulum useful as an effective ground cover, summer flowering shrub. Once established this shrub is drought tolerant.
Hypericum patulum Leaf (28/09/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Hypericum patulum flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Hypericum patulum prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Hypericum patulum requires little maintenance.
