Hypericum Hidcote

The Hypericum bush or Hypericum (x) calycinum 'Hidcote', appeared fortuitously in the 50s, in the garden of Hidcote Manor, located in southwest England. This exceptional bush has since pursued its career as an all-terrain plant in all climates and in almost all soils, including in difficult areas and those unfavourable to other plants. This dense and generous bush, adorned with beautiful dark blue-green foliage that is often evergreen, provides a long flowering period from July to October, in successive waves, in the form of brightly golden cup-shaped flowers. An ideal plant, low-maintenance, undemanding, ornamental, and floriferous... that will surely find its place in the garden.

 The 'Hidcote' Hypericum results from natural hybridization, with its parents being the Hypericum calycinum and H. (x) cyathiflorum. The Hypericum calycinum is native to Turkey and is a beautiful and almost indestructible floriferous pest. At the same time, the origin of the H. (x) cyathiflorum is somewhat obscure. The bush is a member of the Clusiaceae family and grows relatively fast, usually reaching over 1.50m (4 in 11 ft) in height and 1.80m (5 in 11 ft) in width, but sometimes much more depending on the growing conditions. The bush has a dense and rounded habit, instead spreading, supported by stems that are more or less reddish to purplish in colour. The stems are adorned with long, entire, semi-evergreen to evergreen leaves in mild climates. The elongated, pointed, leathery leaves are a beautiful dark green with a slight blue tint that turns reddish under the effect of winter cold. The bush blooms for almost four months of the year, from June-July to September-October, with a break during the hottest weeks. The flowers are produced abundantly, are 6-7 cm (2.4 - 2.8 in) in diameter, and are composed of 5 rounded, golden yellow petals arranged in an open cup. The centre of the flower is occupied by a crown of prominent orange stamens that are quite long. After flowering, the bush forms a few conical fruits that are red when ripe. The lifespan of the bush is around 15 to 20 years.

Hypericums have gained popularity for their extended blooming period and ability to grow effortlessly in all types of soil and climates, even in coastal areas. If you are fond of yellow flowers, the 'Hidcote' Hypericum is an excellent choice to begin with when starting a new garden, especially if you are a beginner. It stands out in shrub borders and flowering hedges. It can be planted alongside buddleias, Morning Mist Rose, Kolkwitzia, mock oranges, shrubby mallows, Japanese kerrias, weigelas (in moist soil), or Raphiolepis (in dry soil). Its yellow flowers during summer will not compete with the more subdued spring flowers. Completely hardy, it should be planted in full sun in cooler areas but in partial shade in hot climates to shield its foliage from the harsh sunlight.