What hardiness zones is Hypericum Hybrids suitable for?

Hypericum Hybrids is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Hypericum Hybrids?

Hypericum Hybrids requires Full Sun.

How much water does Hypericum Hybrids need?

Hypericum Hybrids has Medium water needs.

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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Hypericum Hybrids

hybrid hypericum

Hypericaceae

Garden origin; parent species from Europe, western and central Asia, and eastern Asia

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitMounding

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

Width3-5 feet (90-150 cm)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

A group of hybrid shrubs derived primarily from crosses between Hypericum androsaemum, Hypericum patulum, Hypericum kouytchense, and related species. Plants form rounded to spreading mounds 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall and 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) wide. Stems are upright to arching, often reddish-brown when young, becoming woody and tan with age. Leaves are simple, opposite, oval to oblong, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, medium green to blue-green, and semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on climate zone. Flowers appear in terminal and axillary cymes from June through August, each 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across with five bright yellow petals surrounding a central boss of numerous stamens tipped with yellow anthers. Following flowering, many hybrid selections produce fleshy berry-like capsules 0.3-0.5 inches (8-13 mm) in diameter in shades of cream, pink, salmon, red, or burgundy, persisting from late summer into early winter. Berry color varies by cultivar and is a primary ornamental feature of modern selections. In zones 5-6, stems may die back to the ground in severe winters but typically regenerate from the base. Plants spread by underground runners in favorable conditions, forming loose colonies over time. Foliage may develop purplish tints in cold weather.

Native Range

Hypericum hybrids are of garden origin, derived from parent species native to Europe, western and central Asia, and eastern Asia. Hypericum androsaemum is native to western Europe and the Mediterranean; Hypericum patulum to southwestern China and the Himalayas; and Hypericum kouytchense to southwestern China.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in mixed shrub borders, foundation plantings, and mass plantings at 3-4 foot (90-120 cm) spacing. Berry-producing cultivars are used in the cut flower trade for autumn arrangements. Suitable for informal hedging where a 3-4 foot (90-120 cm) height is acceptable.

How to Identify

Identified by the rounded to arching shrubby habit with opposite, simple, oval to oblong leaves 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long in medium green to blue-green. Flowers have five bright yellow petals 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across with a prominent central boss of numerous long stamens. Many hybrids produce fleshy, berry-like capsules in shades of cream, pink, red, or burgundy after flowering — berry color varies by cultivar and is the primary distinguishing feature among modern selections.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'

Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

blue green

Fall Foliage Colors

purple

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Flowers appear from June through August in zones 5-9. Peak bloom occurs over a 4-6 week period, typically in July. Berry development follows within 2-3 weeks of pollination and persists from August through December depending on cultivar and climate. In mild climates (zones 8-9), flowering may begin in late May.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow

Foliage Description

Medium green to blue-green, semi-evergreen; purplish tints in cold weather

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandclay

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season, providing 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week in the absence of rain. Established plants tolerate moderate drought but produce fewer flowers and berries under prolonged dry conditions. Apply a 2-3 inch (5-7.5 cm) layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch 3 inches (7.5 cm) from the stem base. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced granular fertilizer. In zones 5-6, stems may die back in winter; leave dead stems until spring to protect the crown, then remove to ground level when new growth appears. Rust and leaf spot may develop in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Spider mites can be problematic in hot, dry summers.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches first. Plants bloom on new wood, so hard pruning to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in early spring encourages vigorous flowering. In mild climates where dieback does not occur, selective thinning of older stems every 2-3 years maintains an open habit and improves air circulation. Deadheading spent flowers before berry set redirects energy but eliminates the ornamental berry display.

Pruning Schedule

late winterearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets