This month, flower food specialist Chrysal puts Hypericum in the spotlight. Known for its distinctive berries in shades ranging from red and pink to green and ivory, Hypericum, by many known as St. John's wort, adds texture and fullness to any floral arrangement. Use in autumnal bouquets or modern compositions; this versatile filler adds seasonal and visual interest. Pay close attention to the best tips Chrysal and Latitude 0 Farms from Ecuador provide to achieve the best results!
A Backstory Worth Knowing – Hypericum’s Journey From Wild Hillsides to the Hands of Designers
Before Hypericum became the berry everyone reaches for when a bouquet needs texture, depth, or a touch of quirkiness, it lived a very different life. This plant wasn’t bred for perfect clusters or photogenic colors. It grew on rocky slopes, tucked into forests, surviving on whatever the season offered. For centuries, people knew it more as a 'useful herb' than a decorative one. It was something grown for medicinal purposes, rituals, and superstition.
Photo: @vanderplasflowersandplants
Over time, as plant breeders and growers explored overlooked species, Hypericum quietly stepped into the spotlight. Suddenly, those berries–red, salmon, peach, ivory, green – became a designer’s dream. They added something like structure and a little off-beat detail that turns an arrangement into something layered and interesting.
Today, Ecuador’s Latitude 0 Farms is one of the producers giving Hypericum the attention it never asked for but thoroughly deserved. Grown near the equator, the berries develop steadily and consistently, and their color holds remarkably well. But getting Hypericum from the field to a bouquet has its logistics. It’s a chain of very deliberate steps, and the right post-harvest treatment makes all the difference.
That’s where Chrysal and Latitude 0 come in, making sure the stems and glossy berries keep their quality through every hand they pass. Now on to the best tips and tricks!
Hypericum Care Tips for Growers
To ensure Hypericum reaches its full potential in the supply chain, growers should implement appropriate post-harvest treatments. Begin with Chrysal CVBN or Chrysal Inicial to control bacterial growth and prevent stem blockage. Use the same products after grading to stimulate water uptake, improve leaf and berry quality, and extend vase life. To clean the leaves, spray or dip the bunches with Chrysal LeafShine & Seal. This combination ensures strong stems, vibrant berries, and a product that performs reliably throughout the chain.
Hypericum Care Tips for Florists and Retail
In the store or flower shop, proper handling of Hypericum ensures long-lasting freshness and appeal. Start with hygiene: always use clean buckets and tools. Use Chrysal Professional 2 for flowers already conditioned by the grower to maintain vitality without accelerating development.
For finished bouquets and floral arrangements, Chrysal Professional 3 is the ideal flower food. It provides the nutrients needed to support full-flower development and presentation while helping maintain quality during the sales phase.
Latitude 0 Farms Shares Tips on How to Care for These Red Berries
Caring for Hypericum at home is surprisingly straightforward, and a few small habits can make a big difference in how long those berries stay firm and colorful. Whether Hypericum is part of a mixed bouquet or displayed on its own, it performs best in a clean environment with consistent care. With the right start and a bit of routine maintenance, consumers can enjoy its texture and seasonal appeal for far longer than expected.
- Use a clean vase and fresh water
- Re-cut the stems 2–3 cm at an angle with a clean knife or scissors
- Add one of Chrysal’s sustainable universal flower food options (such as our Recyclable or Paper Sachets)
- Top up water every few days
- Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, or drafty areas
Additionally, Latitude 0 shares some of its best tips, particularly on caring for Hypericum in Ecuador.
