Hypericum bellum
Family: Hypericaceae
What it is like
Hypericum bellum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Scrub on open hillsides. Forest glades. Open forest, forest edges, thickets and grassy slopes at elevains of 1900 - 3200 metres in the western Himalayas.
E. Asia - China to the Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
Febrifuge, vermifuge. Also used in the treatment of hepatitis, colds, dysentery and dermatitis.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.
Other
Rating: 2
A good ground cover.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Easily grown in any reasonably good well-drained but moisture retentive soil. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade but flowers better in a sunny position. Tolerates chalk. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -10°c. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 10°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10 - 12 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Plant out in the following spring Careful division of old suckering shrubs in the dormant season.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist