Hypericum berries: vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Hypericum androsaemum, H. × inodorum
Hypericum berries (Hypericum androsaemum, H. × inodorum, family Hypericaceae) usually lasts 10–14 days in a vase. In season: Year-round. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: accent / texture.
- Botanical name
- Hypericum androsaemum, H. × inodorum
- Family
- Hypericaceae
- Includes
- Hypericum androsaemum L.
Hypericum × inodorum Mill. - Role in a design
- Accent / texture
- Vase life
- 10–14 days
- In season
- Year-round
- Fragrance
- None
- Colours
- red, pink, green, white
- Type
- Branch / foliage
- Pets
- Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Hypericum berries
- Botanical name
- Hypericum androsaemum, H. × inodorum
- Family
- Hypericaceae
- Aliases
- None
- Native origin
- Temperate and subtropical regions worldwide
- Growth habit
- Woody perennial shrub or decorative branch with structural lignified stems.
- Stem length
- 80–120 cm
- Natural colours
- Red, Pink, Green, White
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in spring and summer
- Commercial supply
- Available year-round via commercial greenhouse production
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 10–14 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Used for its berries, not its flowers. The leaves blacken first — strip them — and the berries then last well.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Accent / texture in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Used for its berries, not its flowers. The leaves blacken first — strip them — and the berries then last well.
For florists
Try Hypericum berries in a client design
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Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Used for its berries, not its flowers. The leaves blacken first — strip them — and the berries then last well.
- Hypericum berries is mildly toxic to cats and dogs: remind clients with pets to keep it out of reach.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ! | Mildly toxic if eaten — advise keeping it out of reach. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | Long-lasting (about 10–14 days) — good for orders prepared ahead and weekly contract flowers. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as hypericum berries and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Carnation | Focal flower | 10–14 days |
| Bird of paradise | Focal flower | 10–14 days |
| Orchids (cut) | Focal flower | 10–21 days |
| Statice | Filler flower | 10–14 days |
| Craspedia (billy buttons) | Filler flower | 10–14 days |
| Alstroemeria | Filler flower | 10–14 days |
Substitutes
When hypericum berries is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leucadendron | 14–21 days | Year-round | None | — |
| Banksia | 14–21 days | Year-round | None | — |
| Heavenly bamboo (nandina) | 14–30 days | Autumn, Winter | None | mildly toxic |
| Pomegranate | 7–14 days | Summer, Autumn | None | — |
FAQ
How long does hypericum berries last in a vase?
Usually 10–14 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is hypericum berries in season?
It is available year-round.
How do you keep hypericum berries fresh?
Used for its berries, not its flowers. The leaves blacken first — strip them — and the berries then last well.
What colours does hypericum berries come in?
Naturally in red, pink, green, white (not counting dyed stems).
Is hypericum berries toxic to cats or dogs?
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
What can I use instead of hypericum berries?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Leucadendron, Banksia, Heavenly bamboo (nandina), Pomegranate.
Related guides
In season at the same time
RoseLilyCarnationGerbera daisyLisianthusBaby's breathBird of paradiseOrchids (cut)