Hypericum – The Spiritual Protector

As non-traditional accent flower, hypericum is a variety that has grown in popularity over the last decade to become a staple item in most floral coolers. Adding unique texture to floral designs, on can typically find availability year-round. Something most probably didn’t know about hypericum is that they possess medicinal healing powers.

Dating as far back as the sixth century, hypericum plants have been used in traditional herbal remedies to treat wounds and skin complaints. Some believe hypericum holds power when used in the spiritual realm as well. The scientific name for hypericum is derived from the Greek words “hyper” (above) and “eikon” (a picture) referring to the practice of hanging branches above a picture to ward off evil spirits. Hypericum plants have a history of being used in many cultures to deter evil spirits, witches, and hexes.

Wild growing species of hypericum, or St. John’s Wort, are surprisingly diverse and widespread. They can grow as trees (rare), shrubs (common), annuals or perennials, and can be found in all habitats except some areas of the tropics, deserts, and polar regions. Although hypericums produce beautiful yellow blooms in the summer, it is most often their fruiting branches which are used in floral designs. Hypericum berries can be found in a variety of colors ranging from green to white through pink, red and rich burgundy.

PURCHASING

• Stems should be harvested once the berries have reached the correct color stage. Berry color will not change after harvest.
• Choose stems with clean foliage, and free of pests and diseases.
• If being harvested for their flowers, the stems should be cut when the flowers are fully open

SHIPPING AND STORAGE

• Shipping and storage temperatures should be 34- 38° F

RE-HYDRATION AT STORE LEVEL AND STORAGE

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with D.C.D.® cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with Floralife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a holding treatment such as Floralife® Express 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F with a relative humidity of 75-85%.
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating Hypericums or any other flowers.

VASE CARE

• Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife. If received dry, treat with Floralife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in vase solution containing Floralife® Clear 300 or Floralife® Express 300. COMMON DEFECTS
• Foliage can be prone to fungal pathogens pre-harvest. Choose stems whose foliage is clean and free from defect.
• Be sure to remove any leaves that will be below the level of any bucket or vase solution.