Hypericum Berry
Hypericum, known for its glossy St John's wort berries, is a woody stem crowned with clusters of firm, jewel-like fruits in red, green, peach, cream and burgundy. Florists reach for it year-round as a long-lasting, textural filler that adds a pop of colour and a modern, structural note. The berries hold beautifully out of water for a short time, making them ideal for buttonholes, crowns and cascading designs. Sturdy and reliable, it is one of the hardest-working accents in the cooler.
| Family | Hypericaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Europe and western Asia |
| Peak season | August, September, October, November |
| Availability | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Stem length | 40–70 cm |
| Vase life | 7–14 days |
| Colors | red, green, peach, cream, burgundy |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut the woody stems at a sharp angle and strip any leaves that would fall below the waterline. The berries need little coaxing but appreciate a deep drink of cool water with flower food. Keep them cool to maintain the firm, plump look and prevent shrivelling. They are ethylene-tolerant and exceptionally long-lived.
- •Strip lower leaves before conditioning
- •Cut woody stems on a slant
- •Store cool to keep berries firm
- •Use flower food in clean water
- •Recut if berries begin to soften
