Hypericum monogynum

Family: Hypericaceae

What it is like

Hypericum monogynum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.7

Where it is found

Scrub in gorges around 500 metres. Mountain slopes, roadsides and thickets in dry habitats from sea level to 200 metres in lowland provinces, but up to 1500 metres in Sichuan.

E. Asia - China in W. Hubei, E. Sichuan and Jiangxi, also in Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The plant is alterative, antidote and astringent. It is used in the treatment of miasmatic diseases.

Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.

Antidote: Counters poisoning.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils in a warm position. This species is generally not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. It is often cut back to the ground in winter but usually resprouts from the base. It is, however, a very variable plant and there are some forms that are more reliably hardy This plant has long been known in gardens, erroneously, as H. chinense. 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. Overwinter in a frame and plant out in the following spring. Cuttings of mature wood, 12 - 17cm with a heel, October/November in a sheltered position outdoors. Plants root by the spring. Good percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

H. chinense. L.