Hypericum - Everything you Need to Know

Su Whale
11 hours ago
2 min read

Where would we be without Hypericum? Dependable and available all year round in an ever-expanding range of colours, this workroom staple ties in seamlessly with every season. Fruiting naturally in the autumn, Hypericum is a deciduous shrub that is covered with simple, bright yellow flowers in summer. Commonly known as St. John’s Wort, Tutsan, or in the States, Coffee Bean; Hypericum is found worldwide, and there are nearly 500 species within the genus.

Hypericum Colour Range

When thinking of Hypericum, a rather uninspiring mid-brown comes to mind, but that is not the case anymore, hues of chestnut brown, red, lime green, pink, peach, lemon, cream and pale orange show its true versatility. Stuck for choice? You can buy bundles of mixed colours from the wholesalers, and for that extra bit of sparkle and glitz at Christmas, Hypericum can also be bought dipped in silver, gold or bronze paint.

Buying Hypericum

Hypericum is sold in multiples of 5, typically in bunches of twenty-five stems, although if buying in bulk, look for wraps of 100 or even 200 stems. Stem length is between 55-90cm, although 60-70cm is the most popular.

Floristry Tips from Su Whale

How to Care for Hypericum.

Ideal temperature for display: 2-5°C.
Remove any foliage in contact with water.
Re-cut stems at an angle with a sharp knife or scissors.
Change water every 2-3 days, re-cutting stems each time for maximum vase life.
Display away from draughts and direct heat sources which will wither the berries prematurely.

Using Hypericum in designs

Hypericum is very economical to use in arrangements, as the berries occur at the top of the stem, so there is very little waste. Add the brown and orange berries into seasonal, autumnal hand-tieds, lime green to brighten up spring designs, while the creamy white is perfect for winter weddings. They are also ideal for wiring into buttonholes and flower crowns.

Design tip: The leaves will wilt before the berries, removing them will improve the appearance of the stem, a quick blast of leaf shine will also give them a new lease of life.

Images Envato Elements

Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.