Hypericum bequaertii — Bushy, Spreading, Creeping

Overview

Hypericum bequaertii is a bushy, spreading, creeping shrubs in the genus Hypericum, part of the Hypericaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Hypericum bequaertii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, slopes, informal hedging, specimen plants, flower borders and beds. It is native to Democratic Republic of the Congo.

About

Hypericum bequaertii is a spreading, low-growing shrub in the Hypericaceae, notable for its creeping habit and use as a ground cover. Native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it retains foliage variably from deciduous to semi‑evergreen depending on site. It flowers in the UK from June to August and prefers sunny to partly shaded, sheltered situations with moist but well‑drained soil. It adapts to a wide range of soils and suits slopes, beds and informal hedging.

About the genus

Hypericum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Hypericaceae. The genus has a nearly worldwide distribution, missing only from tropical lowlands, deserts and polar regions. Many Hypericum species are regarded as invasive species and noxious weeds.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hypericum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hypericum

In the garden

Hypericum bequaertii is a member of the Hypericaceae native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a spreading and creeping habit that makes it useful where surface cover is required. Plants may hold their leaves as deciduous, semi‑evergreen or evergreen depending on local conditions. In the UK it flowers from June to August and provides midsummer blossom in sheltered positions. Locate Hypericum bequaertii in full sun or partial shade on a south-, west- or east-facing site that is sheltered from strong exposure. It will grow on chalk, clay, loam or sand and tolerates a full range of soil pH from acid through neutral to alkaline; the key requirement is that the soil remains moist but well drained. The species is rated H5 for the UK, meaning it is hardy in typical British winters when given reasonable shelter. Use it as a ground cover on banks and slopes, in flower borders and beds, or as informal hedging and specimen planting where a spreading habit is wanted. Plant in groups or drifts to build coverage and reduce erosion on inclined sites. Flowering in June–August makes it a practical choice for providing summer interest across sunny sheltered banks where taller shrubs are unsuitable.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hypericum

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Hypericum bequaertii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy, Spreading, Creeping
Foliage: Deciduous, Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses: Groundcover, Slopes, Informal hedging, Specimen plants, Flower borders, Beds
Native to: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hypericum bequaertii

Propagation: Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to rust, honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Hypericum bequaertii?

Hypericum bequaertii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hypericum bequaertii need?

Hypericum bequaertii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Hypericum bequaertii hardy in the UK?

Hypericum bequaertii has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Hypericum bequaertii?

Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed.

More in the Hypericum genus

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