Hypericum kalmianum Gemo - St. John's wort

The Hypericum kalmianum 'Gemo', also known as Kalmian St. John's Wort, is a small-sized bush with a compact and bushy habit, featuring golden yellow flowers in contrast to original, blue-green foliage.

Originally from North America, the Gemo St. John's Wort is a horticultural breed obtained in Denmark. This small, fast-growing bush measures 80 cm (31.5 in) to 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in height and width. Its small golden yellow flowers, 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter, are borne in cymes of 5 to 7 rather small but numerous flowers, which bloom from July to September. Its originality comes from its semi-evergreen, lanceolate foliage of 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 in) in a magnificent blue-green that takes on beautiful autumnal colours. The foliage is carried on wood with a thin, smooth and amber bark, which peels off in fine strips.

Hardy up to -15°C, the Hypericum kalmianum Gemo can be planted in any exposure; it has no requirements on the nature of the soil. Unlike many other St. John's Worts, it is very resistant to rust.

Perfectly adapted to limited spaces, plant it on the edge of a bed or in a pot, paired with the blue of the Caryopteris and Perovskias.