Hypericum x dummeri Peter Dummer - St. John's wort

Hypericum x dummeri 'Peter Dummer' is a fairly recent hybrid cultivar that combines the qualities of its two parents: Hypericum 'Hidcote', of which it is an ornamental and non-invasive miniaturised replica, and Hypericum calycinum, a pretty flower-ridden pest that's almost indestructible. 'Peter Dummer' is a small, compact, prostrate bush, with long and abundant summer flowering in intense gold-yellow cups on beautiful dark green-blue foliage. Excellent ground cover and non-invasive, it will thrive in all soils, and will go without watering once well established. Versatile, colourful, very bright in the sun as well as in semi-shade, it will find its place in rockeries, at the edge of a flower bed, or in a pot on a terrace or balcony.

Hypericum x dummeri 'Peter Dummer' belongs to the Hypericaceae family. This small bush, not exceeding 60cm (24in) in all directions, has a dense and rounded, ramified habit, carried by red to violet stems. They are adorned with long entire leaves, semi-evergreen to evergreen in mild climates. They are elongated, pointed, and leathery. The foliage is a beautiful dark green with slightly blueish tones, taking on reddish hues under the effect of winter cold. It flowers for six months of the year, from June to September-October. The abundant golden yellow flowers, 5 to 6cm (2in) in diameter, are composed of 5 rounded petals arranged in an open cup. The centre of the flower is occupied by a crown of protruding orange stamens, shorter than those of its parent 'Hidcote'. This flowering is followed by the formation of red conical fruits, which are blue at maturity.

St John's wort is appreciated for its very long flowering and ease of cultivation in all soils and under all our climates, even by the sea. The low and bushy habit of Hypericum x dummeri 'Peter Dummer' makes it an excellent ground cover, effective against adventive plants and useful for retaining soil on a slope. It is also a nice front row for the beds of large perennials or flowering bushes. It will also be at ease in front of an evergreen hedge. Plant in groups or with other bushes (buddleia, lilac, abelia, deutzia, althea, or Morning Mist rose), in the sun and sheltered from the wind. It is also suitable for pot cultivation on a balcony or terrace.