General Description/History

Hypericum is valued not only for its golden flowers, but also for its berries, which can be red, orange or brown. It has risen from being almost unknown 10 years ago to being rated #9 in the top 10 flowers sold on the Dutch Auction System in 2004.

Early in the season only flowers are available – the berries come later. The flowers look like giant buttercups, while the berries are oval-shaped with a ring of leaves at the base.

Hypericum is considered a noxious weed in many parts of Australia, and as such should be grown in glasshouses or polyhouses, but I suspect it is still grown in the field or wild harvested at times. It is most commonly grown in the hills east of Melbourne and west of Sydney.

What to look for

• 1/2 open flowers; berries shiny and plump;
• Avoid bunches with yellow leaves.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem. The leaves decline before the flowers and berries, so it can be a good idea to strip all leaves.
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem with sharp secateurs and place in water immediately.
4. Never bash or split stems.
5. Preservative is essential.
6. Replace water every day.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

Hypericum has long been prized for its medicinal properties. Under its common name, St John’s Wort, hypericum is sold as an herbal antidepressant, and recent studies suggest it is clinically beneficial.

Botanical Name: Hypericum chinense

Common Names: Hypericum, St John

Stem Length: 30 to 70 cm

Country of Origin: China

Available Colours: Yellow

Season: Summer,Winter,Spring

Availability: January,August,September,October,November,Decemeber