Hypericum x inodorum 'Kolmuni' MAGICAL^® UNIVERSE

St. John’s Wort is a well-known perennial from our meadows and fields. For centuries it has been used for medicinal purposes, however, these days gardeners seem to appreciate more its ornamental value, and breeders hybridize new and beautiful plants. Hypericum x inodorum is a garden hybrid between h.androsaemum and h.hircinum. Its variability was a lure for many breeders including Peter A.Kolster from Kolster Nurseries in the Netherlands who began hybridizing unnamed seedlings in 1998 with the aim of achieving plants of several fruit colours. His very successful work resulted in a series called Magical^®. So far we found at least 18 varieties, however, some have not even been named or advertised yet.

MAGICAL^® UNIVERSE is a trade name for a uniquely coloured variety of St. John’s Wort from the Magical^® series. From late June until early October it continuously produces 2-3 cm wide, rich golden yellow flowers which are followed by deep burgundy red, almost black fruit (inedible, not poisonous). Purple red stems are erect and grow 60-80 cm tall. New flowers keep opening while other stems show purple red berries and this show takes place until the first frost. Deciduous leaves are oblong to ovate with a rounded tip, rich green with some purple hues, and cover the plant almost entirely.

St.John's wort loves in full sun and moderately fertile soil that is very well drained but evenly moist. Prune young plants by one third or one half in spring, and rejuvenate older plants by cutting back about 5-7 cm above ground. Fully hardy to about -25°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 09-09-2018