Pollination Information for First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort (Hypericum x inodorum 'Kolmarest')

First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort is a flowering shrub that attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It produces bright yellow flowers with a diameter of about 2 inches.

The flowers of First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort are hermaphrodite, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. This makes it self-fertile and capable of producing seeds without cross-pollination.

However, cross-pollination can still occur through the transfer of pollen from the anthers (the male reproductive organs) of one plant to the stigma (the female reproductive organ) of another plant. This can result in the production of seeds with genetic diversity and can improve the overall health of the plant population.

To encourage cross-pollination, plant First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort near other plants that attract pollinators. Providing a diverse range of nectar sources and flowering times can also increase the likelihood of attracting a variety of pollinators.

In summary, First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort is a self-fertile shrub that attracts pollinators and can also benefit from cross-pollination for genetic diversity. Planting it near other pollinator-attracting plants can help increase cross-pollination.

First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort (Hypericum x inodorum 'Kolmarest') FAQs

Q: What is a First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort?

A: It is a cultivar of St. John's Wort (Hypericum x inodorum 'Kolmarest') that has been selectively bred for its vibrant red star-shaped flowers and compact growth habit.

Q: How does it grow?

A: First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort is a low-growing, spreading shrub that grows to be 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Q: When does it bloom?

A: It blooms profusely in mid to late summer (July-August), with its vibrant red flowers lasting for several weeks.

Q: What are some of its notable features?

A: In addition to its stunning red blooms, First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort is also known for its drought tolerance and deer resistance.

Q: How do I care for it?

A: It requires minimal care, but should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. It should also be watered during dry spells and fertilized once a year in spring.

Q: Can I plant it in a container?

A: Yes, it can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space for its roots to spread and is watered regularly.

Q: Is it invasive?

A: No, it is not considered invasive.

Q: Can it be used medicinally like other St. John's Wort varieties?

A: While St. John's Wort is known for its medicinal properties, it is not recommended to use First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort for this purpose, as cultivars may have different chemical compositions than their wild counterparts.

Planting First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort

• Choose a planting location that receives full to partial sun.
• Ensure the soil is well-drained and moist, but not waterlogged.
• Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball of the plant.
• Gently remove the plant from its container or packaging and loosen any tangled roots before placing it in the hole.
• Backfill the hole with soil and tamp it down gently.
• Water thoroughly and add a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Caring for First Editions Red Star St. John's Wort

• Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
• Prune the plant in early spring to remove any dead or damaged wood, and shape it as desired.
• Inspect the plant regularly for signs of pests or diseases, and treat as necessary.
• Divide the plant every 3-4 years to keep it from becoming overcrowded.