Hypericum Calycinum or Aaron’s Beard
Hypericum calycinum
Aaron’s Beard
Hypericaceae
The generic name is derived from the Greek words hypo, meaning under, and ereike, meaning with heath, in other words a plant that grows in the company of heaths. The genus is a large one comprising about 200 species growing in the temperate and subtropical regions of the northern hemisphere. They are herbaceous plants, semi-shrubs or shrubs, some deciduous, others evergreen, with leaves opposite or in whorls. The flowers are borne singly or in terminal or axillary clusters (cymes). Aaron’s beard is native to Asia Minor. It is an evergreen semi-shrub with spreading branches growing to a height of 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 in). The yellow flowers appear from July to August.
Propagation is by means of seeds which are sown under glass in winter. It may also be propagated by summer cuttings of hall-ripened wood. Aaron’s beard is the hardiest of the woody species for growing in central Europe. It thrives both in the sun in dry, sandy soils and in partial shade; best, however, is a light, well-drained soil and a slightly sheltered location. The herbaceous habit makes it a good plant for combinations with perennials, in beds and borders. It is effective planted in front of or beneath evergreen shrubs such as rhododendron, holly or box, as well as in the rock garden, and should preferably be planted in clumps or groups.