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Alpine RockeryShrubs

Hypericum empetrifolium subsp. tortuosum

A dwarf, evergreen shrub to 10cm tall, with prostrate, rooting stems densely clothed in leathery leaves to 3cm long. In early summer it produces clusters of yellow flowers at the stem tip. Best grown in a rock garden or alpine trough

Synonyms

Hypericum empetrifolium 'Prostratum'

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Ultimate height

Up to 10cm

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Hypericaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Matforming
Potentially harmful: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus: Hypericum can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or trees, evergreen or deciduous, with usually paired leaves and showy yellow flowers with prominent stamens, followed by capsules, occasionally berry-like
Name status: Correct
Plant range: Crete

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in a gritty potting mix with added limestone chips, in bright filtered light with good ventilation. Outdoors grow in freely-draining, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun with protection from excessive winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Rock garden
Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust and honey fungus (rarely)

Get involved

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