Hypericum androsaemum 'Albury Purple'

Hypericum androsaemum ‘Albury Purple’
(hy-PARE-ih-cum an-droe-SAY-mum)
Family: Clusiaceae
Common name: St. John’s wort; Tutsan
Zone: 5 – 9
Height: 24 – 36 in (60 – 90 cm)
Spread: 36 in (90 cm)
Aspect: full sun; partial shade
Soil: average; well-draining
Water: moderate

Description: An evergreen sub-shrub with an upright, clump-forming habit. Ovate, 4 inch (10 cm) long, green leaves are flushed with purple. Bright yellow, 5-petalled, star-shaped flowers appear in summer. Round, black berries follow.

 

Special Notes: Native to western and southwestern Europe, the Mediterranean and Caucasus. Good cut flowers. Leaves are resin-scented when bruised. Fall foliage colour adds wonderful impact to the garden. Watch for rust and leaf spot. Propagate by seed; division in spring or autumn.

 

Caution: Best to prune shrub before the black berries drop. Can self-seed somewhat enthusiastically. However, unwanted seedlings are easily pulled out. Invasive weed in New Zealand and Australia.

 

Posted on October 19, 2012; Updated on March 12, 2022