[Gardensgalore]

I've been aware of this plant growing on my property for a couple of years, and have wondered whether it has any garden worth. Today it was in danger of getting strimmed off, so I gathered some material for cuttings. Some excess pieces remained so I have scanned them (below).

It all got me thinking.
Is this a mutation of a wild plant? Tutsan, Hypericum androsaemum for instance.

Why & how? I think that I have read somewhere that a virus can cause this sort of variegation. If so, does it transmit to other plants, and by what means. Does it only infect one genus?

Answers are very welcome.


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Richard
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[Tessa]

The flowers certainly do look like Hypericum, especially the wild Hypericum Perforatum that grows here in the US. One way to tell is to crush one of the flowers between your fingers and see if there's a red stain left behind. If there is, then it is a Hypericum.

There is a virus that affects Hypericum, and has been problematic for large-scale growers for the medicinal herb trade. As a result, a few strains have been developed that are resistant to it, even though it doesn't kill the plant or affect its potency as a medicine.

As far as I know, it only affects Hypericums, so would be no danger to your other plants.

[JennyS]

Hi Richard, yes its Tutsan, and I've seen a few around with that silvery varigation but I don't know whether 'domesticated' strains of Hypericum are as vulnerable - my hedge is in fine form, as is the Rose of Sharon in the garden.....

Tutsan

More info Tess?
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Irish wildflowers