Culture
Easily grown in moist but well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates full shade. Tolerates moist soils, but is intolerant of wet ones. Plants develop extensive root systems. Plants benefit from a thick root mulch in cold winter climates. This hybrid will self-seed in the garden, but not aggressively.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hypericum × inodorum is a fertile, hybrid, semi-evergreen shrub in which H. androsaemum was hybridized with H. hircinum. Hybrid plants generally grow to 3-5’ tall. They are noted for their beautiful foliage, showy flowers and decorative berries. Stalkless, ovate, opposite leaves (to 2” long) are aromatic when crushed. One-inch buttercup-yellow flowers in branched clusters bloom mid to late summer (July-September). Flowers differ from H. androsaemum in having petals conspicuously longer than the sepals and styles and from H. hircinum by having sepals that are persistent into the fruiting stage. Flowers are followed by showy coral pink fruits. The hybrid × inodorum as well as parent H. androsaemum differs from most other species in the genus by having fleshy, berry-like fruits rather than dry, dehiscent capsules. A number of × inodorum cultivars have been produced which primarily differ from each other in plant habit and fruit color.
Genus name comes from the Greek words hyper meaning "above" and eikon meaning "picture" in reference to the practice of hanging flowers from this genus above images, pictures or windows.
Hybrid name comes from the Latin word inodorus meaning "unscented" or "lacking fragrance".
'Kolsan' features dark green folaige with deep burgundy red undersides and yellow flowers followed by bright red fruits. Mature plants will reach up to 3' tall with a similar spread and take on an upright to spreading, well-branched growth habit. The rust-resistant foliage will retain its color throughout the growing season. Commonly sold at nurseries and garden centers under the name FLORALBERRY SANGRIA.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for rust. Powdery mildew may occur.
'Kolsan' offers improved rust-resistance.
Uses
Specimen planting or mass in mixed borders, rock gardens, small, urban gardens, or as a low hedge. Suitable for use in containers, and can be used in fresh-cut flower arrangements.