In our region when we think of hypericum the first plant that comes to mind is St John’s Wort.
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The weed St John’s Wort is Hypericum perforatum and it can be a huge nuisance.
The plant pictured is called Hypericum calycinum and is a native of Turkey and Bulgaria.
This plant is commonly called golden cups, Aaron’s beard or even Rose-of-Sharon. It grows into a small shrub but is often used as a groundcover.
It will grow in full sun, partial shade and even heavy shade.
It will grow in most soils and is quite drought tolerant once it becomes established in the ground.
The genus name hypericum means ‘above a picture’.
Bunches of this plant were once hung above pictures to deter evil spirits.
The species name calycinum means ‘with a conspicuous calyx’.
The calyx is the part of the flower below the petals, the parts that were originally seen as the bud, protecting the flower before it opened.
This group of plants have been used since ancient times.
These plants were firstly used in the treatment of wounds and were also gathered and burnt to ward off bad spirits on the eve of St John’s day.
The hypericum looks beautiful mass planted in a garden bed.
Because it’s so hardy it’s perfectly suitable to plant amongst other shrubs and under trees.
A bit of tip pruning will keep this plant bushy.
If you give it a good cut back in late winter this will encourage a flush of new growth.
For gardeners who like to grow their own – this plant is easily grown from seed or tip cuttings.
This yellow flowering plant is easy to grow and requires very little maintenance or attention.
It’s also a great tub specimen where it fills the pot and looks bright and cheery.
Now for the downside. This introduced plant has become naturalised in parts of Australia and many species of hypericum are regarded as environmental weeds in Victoria.
If you grow this plant you need to ensure it doesn’t escape your garden because it has the potential to invade bushland and compete with native species.
Diary
Studying horticulture doesn’t necessarily mean full-time studies. You can pick and choose subjects to suit the time you have available.
Timetables for 2017 classes are nearly ready.
If you’d like a copy drop us an email at AgHort@wodongatafe.edu.au
Deb Delahunty is a horticulture teacher at Wodonga TAFE.