Hypericum polyphyllum (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 45cm
Eventual Spread: 60m
Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Family: Hypericaceae
Hypericum polyphyllum is a evergreen shrub with bushy, spreading habit. Its dark blue/ green leaves are elliptic with entire margins, up to 3cm long and 1cm broad. Its yellow flowers are bowl shaped, have five petals, prominent stamens and are up to 5cm across.
Hypericum polyphyllum Flower (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Hypericum polyphyllum, commonly known as Rockery St John’s Wort, is native to Turkey. In its native habitat it grows on sandy, stoney place, often calcareous soils in scrub.
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.Polyphyllumis derived from the Greek polys meaning ‘many’ and phyllon meaning ‘leaf’.
The landscape architect may find Hypericum polyphyllum useful as a ground cover shrub for very well drained soils. It may be used as a specimen shrub in rock gardens. Once established this shrub is drought tolerant.
Hypericum polyphyllum Leaf (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Hypericum polyphyllum flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Hypericum polyphyllum prefers moist, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to alkali pH of soil.
Hypericum polyphyllum requires little maintenance.
