Sweet Amber Hypericum androsaemum 'Picasso'

Tutsan, or Hypericum androsaemum, can be weedy, even invasive, in some parts of the world. With this in mind, three cultivars ('Matisse', 'Picasso', and 'Pollock' were bred and evaluated at North Carolina State University as part of an effort to develop new, non-invasive nursery crops. All three are triploid, seedless, non-invasive forms of Tutsan with characteristics typical of the species. Special credit goes to Richard Olsen (former Ph.D. student, now at the US National Arboretum) and Clara Trueblood (former M.S. student, now at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens) for their efforts on this project. No patents or trademarks.

The ‘Picasso’ cultivar is a neo-expressionistic integration of surreal colors and abstract patterns and, as with other species of this genus, grows best in USDA zones 6 and 7, in cooler climates such as the Pacific Northwest, and, at maturity, will reach a height of 2 to 3 feet. The common name of tutsan comes from the French words toute (all) and saine (healthy) in reference to old medicinal uses.

The Tutsan is clump forming rather than spreading and it increases freely by self-sowing. It grows best in medium, well drained, loamy, acidic soils. The plant tolerates a wide range of pH and does well in sun or shade, but flowers better in a sunny position. It is also drought tolerant when established. You should mulch the roots in the winter and, if the winter is severe in zone 5, the plant may die back. If so, cut back to the ground and the roots will send up new shoots in the spring.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Wilt and root rot can be a problem in hot and humid climates. Watch for thrips and scale.