St John's Wort 'Maical'

'Maical' is a compact, deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub prized for its decorative berries as much as its flowers. In midsummer, it produces small, bright yellow, star-shaped flowers with prominent stamens. These are followed in autumn by clusters of attractive orange berries that persist well into the winter, though they are not for human consumption. The foliage is dark green and provides a neat backdrop. It is a low-maintenance plant that is fully hardy in the UK and grows well in most garden soils, though it prefers a moist but well-drained site. It is excellent for mass planting, ground cover, or for adding autumn interest to a mixed border. It should be pruned back in late winter to encourage new, vigorous growth and a better crop of flowers and berries. It is generally resistant to the rust that can sometimes affect other Hypericum species. Its compact size makes it suitable for modern, smaller gardens or even large pots. Although tough, it performs best when protected from the hottest afternoon sun.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.