Hypericum kamtschaticum
Ledge.
(c) Владимир Бурый, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Владимир Бурый
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves, Shoots
Young plant and shoot tips - cooked.
Where to Find It
E. Asia - Japan.
TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Kurile Islands, Primorye, Kamcatskij kraj, Sakhalin), Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu)
How to Identify
Hypericum kamtschaticum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
How to Grow
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country, though judging by its native range it should be hardy in all parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in any reasonably good well-drained but moisture retentive soil. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade but flowers better in a sunny position.
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 10°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
