Hypericum x moserianum (30/12/14, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Summer to early autumn
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 50cm
Eventual Spread: 1m
Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Hypericaceae
Hypericum x moserianum is a semi-evergreen shrub with bushy, spreading habit. Its mid green leaves are ovate with entire margins, up to 5cm long and 3cm broad. Its stems are deep red/ orange. Its yellow flowers are bowl shaped, have five petals, prominent red/ orange anthers and are up to 5cm across. Its fruit is a red capsule and up to 2cm long.
Hypericum x moserianum, commonly known as Gold Flower or St John’s Wort, is a cross between Hypericum patulum and Hypericum calycinum.
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.
The landscape architect may find Hypericum x moserianum useful as an effective semi-evergreen ground cover, summer/ autumn flowering shrub.
Ecologically, Hypericum x moserianum flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Hypericum x moserianum Leaf (30/12/14, Kew Gardens, London)
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Hypericum x moserianum their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Hypericum x moserianum prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Hypericum x moserianum requires little maintenance.
